PML (N) conspiring to deprive province of its new name, ANP

Peshawar: September 09 =Awami National Party on Thursday strongly reacted against the PML (N) chief’s proposal of holding referendum over the issue of Pakhtunkhwa and vowed that no-other name except Pakhtunkwa is acceptable to rename the province suggesting PML (N) not to interfere in provincial matters of NWFP.

Afrasiab KhattakAfrasiab Khattak, the provincial chief of ANP during a news conference strongly reacted against the Nawaz SharifNawaz Sharif’s statement about the referendum on the Pakhtunkwa saying that Nawaz has no right to make the issue controversial. “ we are about to bring constitutional amendment in the parliament to change name of the province but some political leaders want to stop us from doing so therefore the statement regarding referendum has been issued to create controversy however we are committed that the province’s new name will be Pakhtunkwa and nothing else however if some agree then Afghania could also be accepted but our priority will be Pakhtunkwa” Afrasiab said.

The nationalist leader said those who are talking about referendum over the issue of Pakhtunkwa must hold it before over the name of Punjab as the people of NWFP have the right to raise the similar demand for replacing the name of Punjab through referendum. PML, he said was conspiring against the province which has been neglected for past 60 years and deprived of its rights in every sector.

“Our province has no name in Pakistan’s map and for last 60 years it has been deprived of its identity which is the right of its people to be represented in Pakistan. Pakhtuns and people of the province are in favor to change name of the province and representing the sentiments of the people the representative assembly of the province has passed unanimous resolution over the name,” Khattak said.

Afrasiab said since e elected government of the province and at the center are agreed to change name of the province and replace it with Pakhtunkwa therefore no body has the right to interfere in the mater of NWFP. “Those talking about referendum over Pakhtunkwa must hold it before over the name of Punjab then proposed referendum for Pakhtunkwa,” Afrasiab remarked.

It is to be worth mentioned that PML (N) has strongly opposed the replacement of NWFP with Pakhtunkwa and its chief Nawaz Sharif proposed referendum over the issue. PML (N) argued that word Pakhtunkwa would create sense of deprivation and inferiority among the none Pakhtun living in NWFP.

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