Awami National Party (ANP) chairman Asfandyar Wali Khan on Monday said he and his party were siding with Parliament and not with Nawaz Sharif, termed that the sit-ins being staged in federal capital on name of Azadi and Inqilab' as a drama. Talking to media persons here, Wali said a drama was under way in Islamabad in the name of 'revolution' and 'change'.
He said that his party is not stand by Nawaz Sharif but with the nation's mandate. He said that there is a procedure mentioned in the constitution to remove the prime minister, adding that minus-one formula is not acceptable. Reaffirming his party's stance on the supremacy of the Parliament, Asfandyar urged Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri to review their politics before the country plunges into an irreversible crisis. "We will be the first to oppose any unconstitutional act by PTI and PAT," said Asfandyar.
"Nawaz Sharif is an elected prime minister and maintains the right to complete his term." He said ANP is with the parliament and it would not support parties of 'Azadi' and 'Inqilab'. Turning his attention to the present, Asfandyar said, "The future depends on democracy and all politicians must ensure the continuation and strengthening of the democratic process." He emphasised the volatile law and order situation, regional turmoil and other factors left no room for internal confrontation.
He slammed the PTI and PAT marches to Islamabad, saying Imran and Qadri should have demonstrated they were responsible politicians and should deviate from acts that can destabilise the country. "If the parliament is dissolved because of PTI and PTA's pressure, it will set a poor precedent for the future", he cautioned. Criticising Imran Khan, the ANP said that the PTI chief levelled allegations of rigging only in those constituencies where his party lose election. He said that if unnecessary changes were made in the constitution then each province would have its own constitution.
Flanked by former provincial chief minister and ANP KP chief Ameer Haider Hoti and Central General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain, and parliamentary leader in the KP Assembly Sardar Hussain Babak, and other leaders, Wali said conditions had become such that no country wanted to deal with Pakistan, adding that the fact that two heads of states had cancelled their visits to the country should be a cause for concern. Wali's remarks come as the protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) entered their 12th day today.
Wali also addressed the issue of Waziristan, saying the matter could not be resolved without reforms in the tribal areas. He said that a referendum should be conducted in the tribal areas so that people of the region can decide whom they want to live with. It is not in our interest to keep Fata in isolation, he said, adding that it should be up to the people of Fata whether they want to be an independent province or be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Wali's statements on Waziristan come as the army is engaged in an offensive against local and foreign militants in the North Waziristan tribal region.
Other ANP leaders also took a jibe at PTI stalwarts, especially KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak for his prolonged stay in Islamabad. Hussain and Babak both pointed out that Khattak was busy dancing on stage in Islamabad while people were dying in rains and floods in his province. Party leaders alleged Imran and Qadri were in favour of military rule, but unfortunately for them, top military officials and political leaders were determined to let democracy run its course.