PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party leadership on Monday expressed grave concern over lawlessness in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said the province appeared to have been “completely abandoned” by authorities.

During a meeting of the ANP provincial cabinet at Bacha Khan Markaz here, ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain said the terrorist incidents had “paralysed life and business” in the province.

“Indifference of the governments to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province is unacceptable,” he said.

Mr Hussain said that the party was concerned about the rise in violence in the province.

He complained that people were “carrying coffins” but the rulers were busy with their “political dramas”.

The ANP leader said that maintaining law and order was primarily the responsibility of the provincial government, but unfortunately, both provincial and federal governments had failed to protect the lives and property of citizens.

He said that the growing inflation and unemployment had compounded the difficulties faced by people, who were already suffering from prolonged insecurity.

“The people affected by unrest are being crushed under the burden of inflation, while the rulers have no idea of their difficulties,” he said.

Mr Hussain called for immediate relief measures and practical steps to mitigate the impact of inflation on people.

He said that the ANP would not accept any attempt to alter the historical identity or geography of the province.

The ANP leader said that the party would continue to defend the National Finance Commission Award, provincial autonomy and the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

“Attempts to weaken the provinces are tantamount to weakening the federation. Strong federating units guarantee a strong federation,” he said.

The ANP’s provincial cabinet rejected any plan to divide provinces, saying such moves are aimed at gaining control over resources and powers.

The participants, including senior vice president of the party Syed Aqil Shah, general secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai, spokesman Arsalan Khan Nazim and other cabinet members, reviewed the province’s political and security situation, organisational matters and decisions taken at recent central party meetings.

They expressed full confidence in the decisions of the central leadership and reiterated their resolve to implement them effectively.

The participants voiced concern over rising inflation and unemployment rates and the continued increase in prices of essential commodities, particularly petroleum products.

They also reviewed preparations for meetings of the ANP provincial executive committee and provincial council. Special committees comprising cabinet members were constituted to ensure arrangements for the meetings.

The provincial executive committee will meet in Peshawar on Sept 22, followed by the provincial council’s meeting on Sept 23. Both meetings will be chaired by Mr Hussain and attended by party office-bearers and members from across the province.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2026