ANP Calls for Immediate Reopening of Pak-Afghan Trade Routes

PESHAWAR — Amid rising tensions and economic strain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to prioritize dialogue and immediately restore bilateral trade. During a visit to the Peshawar Press Club on Friday, January 30, 2026, Hussain argued that suspending trade under the guise of security concerns is “unacceptable” and primarily harms the Pashtun population.

Key Policy Demands

Hussain’s address touched on several critical internal and foreign policy issues:

1. Pak-Afghan Relations & Trade

• End Border Suspensions: Hussain questioned why trade with Afghanistan remains restricted when Pakistan continues to trade with India despite strained relations.
• Sovereignty & Dialogue: He emphasized that “war is not a solution” and both nations must respect each other’s sovereignty while resolving disputes through formal negotiations.
• Economic Toll: He noted that KP’s economy is suffering the most from these closures, exacerbating the hardships of a population already reeling from years of terrorism.

2. Criticism of the Tirah Operation

• Lack of Accountability: Hussain criticized the provincial government for its “lack of seriousness” regarding the situation in Tirah, where a military operation has led to massive displacement.
• Governance Failure: He argued that while the federal government cannot be absolved, the provincial administration is evading its primary responsibility for law and order.

3. Economic Concerns (NFC Award)

• Rights of KP: The ANP leader expressed grave concern over the federal government’s delay in issuing the NFC Award and the provincial government’s failure to secure KP’s constitutional dues from the Centre.

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Tribute to Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour

The visit also served to honor veteran politician Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, who announced his retirement from parliamentary politics on January 29 at the age of 86.

• A “Living Martyr”: Hussain described Bilour as a symbol of ideological steadfastness who survived multiple terrorist attacks.
• Family Sacrifice: He paid tribute to the Bilour family’s heavy toll in the fight against terrorism, including the martyrdom of Bashir Bilour and Haroon Bilour.
• Continued Role: Hussain clarified that while Bilour has stepped away from elections due to age, he remains a central and active member of all ANP political forums.

Press Club Felicitations

Hussain congratulated the newly elected cabinet of the Peshawar Press Club, including:

• President: M. Riaz
• General Secretary: Alamgir Khan

He reaffirmed the ANP’s commitment to freedom of expression and the supremacy of the Constitution, urging journalists to continue their role as the “watchdogs of democracy” during these difficult times.

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