PUKHTOONS

''With a drop of my sweatheart's blood, Shed in the defense of the motherland, Will i put a beauty spot on my forhead, Such as would put to shame the rose in a garden''

1:00 AM

ANP convoy recieves warm welcome

Posted by Arif Jan Khan Umerzai

ANP convoy recieves warm welcome

PESHAWAR: “Lar Au Bar Yao Afghan, Lar Au Bar Yao Afghan” (Pukhtoons on both sides of the Durrand Line are Afghans) were slogans echoed in the air, when the convoy of Awami National Party (ANP) led by Asfandyar Wali Khan reached the Durrand Line the other day.

Soon after the convoy crossed the Durrand Line, children wearing traditional dresses welcomed the followers of Baacha Khan with rose petals and national songs. Emotional scenes were witnessed when the officials of the Afghan government including Zalmay Hewadmal, Adviser to President on Cultural Affairs, Mohammad Sadiq Padhman, Deputy Education Minister Dr Hamidzai, Vice Chancellor of Nangarhar University and others hugged the leadership of ANP.

From Torkham to Jalalabad, the convoy comprising Asfandyar Wali Khan, Begum Naseem Wali Khan, Central Information Secretary Zahid Khan, newly-elected provincial president, Afrasiyab Khattak, provincial secretary general, Mian Iftikhar, Haji Adeel, president women-wing, Zahira Khattak, vice president, Jameela Khan and others was taken in a foolproof security, surrounded by security personals who were holding heavy and latest weapons.

Apart from that, the security forces in a great enthusiasm put red flags on show onto their vehicles. When arrived at the historic Spinghar hotel - located in the centre of Jalalabad was still presenting an ugly and miserable tale of Afghanistan, hit by three-decades of bloody war.

Being the state guests, the ANP leaders stayed at Shahi Mahmankhana located at the Governor’s House, while the journalists spent their night at the historic Spinghar hotel where they were entertained with great hospitality for which Afghans are popular.

But the journalists were annoyed with the Afghan authorities for the method, the security personals wanted to apply for security checking prior to the arrival of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

However, keeping in view the journalists’ threats to boycott the function, the security personals carried out minor checking of the Pakistani journalists and applied their strict method on Afghan journalists.

The second thing over which the Pakistani media voiced concern was the mismanagement as they were demanding for water and fans but the organisers kept themselves with deaf ear, however after a long time they were provided their needs.

Meanwhile, while addressing the gathering, Afghan President said through a well-planned conspiracy, innocent Pukhtoons living on both sides of the Durrand Line are being killed and defamed, but the world community now realized and learnt about the real conspirators.

The Afghan president asserted those who were trying to destroy peace and stability in Afghanistan would never succeed in their mission as Pukhtoons now had realised that they had been used from the last three decayed.

“No one can keep the Pukhtoons separated on both sides of Durrand Line. Now we have identified our enemies and no one will deceive Pukhtoons anymore,” Karzai said and urged the neighbouring countries to revise their foreign policy towards Afghanistan for the sake of peace and stability.

While showering rich tributes on Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as Baacha Khan, Karzai announced Baacha Khan Peace Award that would be given to the followers of his non-violence philosophy across the world.

Karzai said Baacha Khan’s life was an embodiment of untiring struggle for the welfare of humanity adding he was against violence and terrorism.

“Terrorists are killing journalists, religious scholars, tribal elders, doctors, engineers and common citizens, but the movement of Baacha Khan was against terrorism,” he said.

He said Baacha Khan had spent his 34 years of life behind bar and bore the brunt for raising voice for peace and educating the people. He assured the ANP for his all-out support saying whatever support the party needed, the Afghan government would be there for assistance.

Central leader of the Awami National Party, Asfandyar Wali Khan, on the occasion said Pukhoons were peaceful people but unfortunately they were being presented as terrorists, fundamentalists and extremists.

“My origin is Afghan. My identity is Afghan and on one can dare to divide us,” he said adding Afghans had all natural resources including gas, oil, minerals but lacked tolerance, love and peace.

The nationalist leader urged the world community that they should take on board the Pukhtoons if they desired peace and stability in the region.

Governor of Kabul Haji Din Mohammad on the occasion called upon Pakistan and Afghanistan to end visa condition for citizens traveling between the two countries besides called for strengthening of links between the universities of Peshawar and Nangarhar. Governor Nangarhar. Gula Agha Sherzai also spoke on the occasion.Earlier, Karzai along with ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan visited to Qasr-i-Shahi and inaugurated Baacha Khan Markaz and renovation of Baacha Khan’s monument at his tomb

0 comments: