Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for not attending the recent Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) meeting, labeling them as “Taliban sympathizers.” He questioned PTI’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, referencing the moniker “Taliban Khan” attributed to Imran Khan due to his perceived advocacy for the Taliban.
The PCNS meeting, attended by top civilian and military leaders, focused on measures to combat terrorism. PTI boycotted the session after their request to meet with jailed party founder Imran Khan was denied. The committee condemned recent terrorist acts, expressed solidarity with victims’ families, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all forms. They also emphasized the immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ strategy to dismantle terrorist networks.
Aimal Wali Khan also commented on the need for both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the central government to address terrorism seriously and ensure security. He praised the army’s recent operation to clear the Jaffer Express train without collateral damage and expressed hope for similar actions nationwide.
Regarding Army Chief Gen Asim Munir’s remarks on governance failures hindering counter-militancy efforts, Khan viewed them positively, interpreting them as a call for the government to fulfill its responsibilities, allowing the military to focus on its duties.
