ANP condemns IED blast at party leader’s residence

PESHAWAR
The Awami National Party (ANP) on Monday strongly condemned an improvised explosive device (IED) blast outside the residence of its Swat leader Malik Mumtaz Ali Khan, terming it a “cowardly and regrettable act.”
ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain said the explosion occurred in front of the room of the party’s Swat senior vice president.
He added that no loss of life was reported in the incident.
Mr Hussain said this was the second attack on Malik Mumtaz Ali Khan in the past five months, recalling that a similar attempt was made at the same on Nov 12, 2025.
He maintained that such tactics could not intimidate the ANP leadership and workers, adding that the party would continue its struggle against terrorism and extremism.
The ANP leader said the recurrence of such incidents reflected a worsening law and order situation in the province and raised serious concerns about the government’s performance.
He demanded an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the blast and called for those responsible to be brought to justice without delay.
Mr Hussain said ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property was the primary responsibility of the government, alleging that it had failed to fulfil this duty.
Referring to recent incidents, he claimed that acts of violence were being reported daily from Waziristan to Bajaur and Chitral, while efforts to restore peace and eliminate militancy were not among the government’s priorities.
He also expressed solidarity with Malik Mumtaz Ali Khan and his family, assuring them of the party’s full support in this difficult time.