Party leader says peace, dignity and development not war reflect true national and cultural values
PESHAWAR: Aimal Wali Khan, chief of the Awami National Party, on Thursday urged restraint amid ongoing tensions, appealing to decision-makers on both sides of the border to prioritize public opinion in shaping future policies.
In a statement, Khan said that people living on either side of the frontier do not seek conflict but aspire to peace, employment, education and a dignified life. He stressed that any policy framework must reflect the will and welfare of ordinary citizens rather than strategic calculations alone.
Framing his appeal in religious, cultural and national terms, Khan said that if people identify as Muslims, they should prioritize peace as a moral obligation. Referring to Pashtun traditions, he noted that Pashtunwali emphasizes honor, tolerance and resolving disputes through jirga, rather than violence.
He added that whether one considers oneself Afghan or Pakistani, national identity should not justify pushing communities into the flames of war. War, he said, has never delivered a lasting solution to complex political challenges.
Khan called on the public to remain patient and vigilant, urging them not to become part of narratives fueled by hatred or division.
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