ANP Condemns Arrest of Asghar Achakzai, Calls for Multi-Party Conference

QUETTA: The Awami National Party (ANP) has condemned the arrest of its provincial president, Asghar Khan Achakzai, labeling the charges against him as fake and baseless. Jamaluddin Rishtya, the acting president of ANP Balochistan, made this statement during a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Friday, asserting that the party would not be deterred by such actions.

Rishtya announced that a multi-party conference (MPC) is scheduled for November 6 in Quetta to discuss the party’s future course of action. He emphasized that all political parties, members of the legal fraternity, and traders’ associations would be invited to participate in this significant gathering.

Expressing his concerns, Rishtya reiterated the party’s commitment to the non-violent philosophy of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) and its ongoing struggle for the rights of oppressed nations. He stated, “The Awami National Party believes in the respect, freedom, and autonomy of the judiciary and the rule of law, and our leaders have sacrificed their lives for these principles.” This incident has raised alarm among party workers and supporters, who feel that justice and merit are not being upheld.

Looking ahead, the MPC aims to unify various political factions in response to Achakzai’s arrest and to strategize on how to address the perceived injustices faced by the party. The outcome of this conference could have significant implications for the political landscape in Balochistan and beyond.