Pakistani politicians are increasingly voicing criticism of the central government’s policies. Recently, Aimal Wali Khan, leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), accused the Pakistani government of using terrorism as a political tool.
He stated that under the pretext of counterterrorism, trade with Afghanistan, primarily affecting the Pashtun population, has been halted, while trade with India continues unhindered. He insisted that despite closed trade routes, Afghanistan is still blamed for every security incident in Pakistan.
Aimal Wali Khan said: “Today, trade in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is shut down in the name of fighting terrorism, while trade with India continues. But trade with Afghanistan is not allowed, why? They say it’s because of terrorism. Fine, if there is terrorism, shut the routes and still allow trade.”
“But every time something happens in Pakistan, leaders come forward and say it came from Afghanistan. Then who are these blocked routes really for? Are they blocked for ordinary people? For trade?”
Speaking at a large gathering, he called for the immediate reopening of all trade routes between Bajaur and Chaman, emphasizing that the Pashtun trade corridors must be restored.
He added: “This jirga demands that all trade routes from Bajaur to Chaman be fully reopened. We do not support terrorism, it must be eradicated, but trade must be promoted. This jirga urges the government to fully open all trade routes.”
Also speaking at the gathering, Haider Khan Hoti, former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that military operations alone cannot eliminate terrorism unless there are fundamental changes in Pakistan’s internal and foreign policies.
This comes amid repeated criticism from religious scholars and politicians over the government’s treatment of Afghanistan and tribal populations. Despite such criticism, the government had previously ordered residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to vacate their homes for planned military operations.
