PTI Warns Against ‘ANP Model Tactics’ to Target Party in KP

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vehemently condemned what it described as a cowardly drone attack on the residence of its senior leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Member, Anwar Zeb Khan, in Raghagan, Bajaur. The party issued a stark warning, asserting that the strategies currently being deployed against PTI—aimed at eroding its support base and undermining its unparalleled popularity in the province—are a deliberate replication of the tactics previously used to weaken and politically neutralize the Awami National Party (ANP) in KP.

In a forcefully worded statement released on Friday, PTI expressed profound alarm over the significant increase in drone strikes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly within the tribal districts. The party highlighted that 15 such attacks were reported in just one month, tragically continuing to claim innocent lives.

Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI's Central Information Secretary, recalled that Imran Khan, the party's founder who is currently unlawfully incarcerated, had consistently voiced apprehension regarding the ongoing operations and relentless drone strikes. Khan had previously urged the then-KP Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, to halt these actions, cautioning that the "imposed regime" was intentionally employing the very same methods—once used to politically marginalize ANP in KP—to weaken and ultimately eliminate his own party.

Akram affirmed PTI's condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations, recognizing it as a severe impediment to economic stability. However, he emphasized that operations conducted without public endorsement and without due consideration for the unique sensitivities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have proven largely ineffective. Consequently, PTI has consistently stressed the critical importance of involving local communities and the provincial government in both the strategic planning and operational execution of any counter-terrorism initiatives, with the goal of permanently eradicating this menace from the nation.

Waqas severely criticized the current leadership, whom he labeled "myopic rulers," for squandering the hard-won peace and allowing terrorism to resurge due to their flawed counter-terrorism strategies. He contrasted this with the period under the PTI government, during which, he asserted, exemplary peace and stability had been successfully restored across the country.

He further elaborated that the ANP's influence in the province diminished, and its popularity significantly declined, largely attributed to its inability to control the imposed military operations and drone strikes. This situation, he claimed, even compelled its chief to forge a deal to secure a Senate seat from Balochistan.

Waqas reiterated that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has always vehemently opposed the policy of drone warfare, underscoring that today, once again, this destructive tactic is being employed to target PTI's elected representatives.

The PTI Central Information Secretary declared that this brazen act of terrorism represents a desperate attempt to intimidate the party and silence its leadership. Nevertheless, Waqas delivered a clear and unwavering message: such cowardly attacks have never diminished their resolve, and they will not be intimidated now or ever.

He clarified that this attack was not merely an assault on an elected representative but a direct strike against a courageous individual who has consistently stood on the frontline against terrorism and extremism. The PTI CIS noted that Anwar Zeb Khan has, throughout his political career, steadfastly refused to succumb to fear, violence, or intimidation, and this cowardly act only reinforces his determination and the party’s commitment to firmly resist such threats.

Waqas recalled that Anwar Zeb Khan was unlawfully detained for 26 days following his arrest on October 4 last year during the Islamabad March. He also highlighted that the police vehicle transporting Khan to court via the Islamabad–Rawalpindi route was subsequently attacked. Waqas further emphasized that Khan is the same valiant leader who has consistently organized and supported every peace jirga in his region and has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety, stability, and wellbeing of his people.

The PTI CIS stressed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would implement all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security for MPA Anwar Zeb Khan and to safeguard all public representatives performing their duties under challenging and dangerous circumstances. Waqas vowed that such cowardly attacks have never intimidated the party, and "these saboteurs of peace" will ultimately fail in their nefarious designs, regardless of their efforts.

He strongly criticized what he termed the "illegitimate regime" for its callous approach and "fascist tactics" in denying access to the PTI founder, despite alarming reports widely circulated in both national and international media.

Waqas warned that the "unrepresentative junta" was establishing a dangerous precedent by disrespecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Afridi was compelled to spend an entire night outside Adiala Jail, despite clear court orders permitting him to meet his leader—an act that, Waqas contended, not only humiliated the people of the entire province but also carried grave and far-reaching implications for the country’s future.

The PTI CIS lamented that the judiciary's own orders were being openly and flagrantly disregarded by the "fraudulently imposed regime," which, with complete impunity, continued to place itself above the law.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that the days of this "illegitimate setup" were numbered and that Imran Khan would soon be released. He believes this would mark the conclusion of the current reign of fear, paving the way for true independence, democracy, and the restoration of the rule of law.