Mardan  -  Awami National Party (ANP) Punjab General Secretary Amir Bahadur Khan Hoti has said that ordinary Pakhtuns are being harassed in Punjab under the guise of Afghan refugees.

He said that the harassment of Pakhtun businessmen, students, and residents in Punjab must stop. He expressed these views while addressing the “Meet the Press” program at the Mardan Press Club, where Press Club President Muhammad Riaz Mayar, Vice President Hidayat-ur-Rehman Hoti, and General Secretary Pervez Khan were present.

Amir Bahadur Hoti added that ordinary Pakhtun businessmen are being harassed in Punjab under the guise of Afghan refugees. He argued that unjustified raids are being carried out on the homes of ordinary Pakhtuns in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other cities, spreading fear and panic.

He said that among the Afghan refugees in Punjab, there are many people doing business on a large scale, and their return should be handled in an organized and dignified manner; otherwise, it will also negatively impact the country’s economy. He noted that Pakhtuns in Punjab are already facing many problems, with most of their families’ identity cards blocked.

Students also face difficulties in gaining admission to educational institutions and are unable to express their culture there. Now, the current situation has further exacerbated their problems. Amir Bahadur Hoti also said that the PTI is a party that first attacks institutions and later apologizes to them. He added that the founder of PTI has caused irreparable damage to the culture and traditions of Pakhtuns.

He argued that despite being a woman, Maryam Nawaz Sharif is running mega projects in Punjab, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is suffering from the worst problems.

He warned that if the harassment of Pashtuns in Punjab is not stopped, the ANP will stage a protest rally outside the Lahore Press Club.