Central President of Awami National Party (ANP), Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan on Saturday said that his party supports elimination of al Qaeda chief, Osama Bin Laden, but has reservation over the procedure adopted for the operation. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Asfandyar Wali Khan said `ANP is always against all those steps, which affects Pakistan's sovereignty either these are drone attacks, air space violation or immigration laws violation.'
He was briefing newsmen about decision taken at a consultancy meeting of ANP on the Abbotabad Operation. He said the ANP leadership observed that resolution of parliament, which was adopted during in camera session should be implemented. He also demanded constitution of a commission to hold probe into the Abbotabad operation. It's a very big issue, which cannot be put under carpet, he remarked.
The meeting, Asfandyar added, also demanded complete implementation of 18th amendment. He said some elements are creating hurdles in implementing 18th amendment and ANP will not tolerate this. Responding to questions, he said people should also condemn land laws violation when terrorist inter into Pakistan without following proper procedure.
Those who are raising objection of air space violation, should also object to infiltration of terrorists into Pakistan territory, he added. When asked as drone attacks are in progress and according to parliament's resolution supply line to Nato containers be cut in such situation, Asfandyar replied if the parliament demands this we support it.
About the drone attacks, he said ANP has always opposed it. He said in fact the drone attacks are favouring terrorists because such strikes have much collateral damage, which proves beneficial for Taliban. In response to a question about Afghanistan situation, Asfandyar Wali Khan said all the neighbouring countries should sit together and try to find out a solution to Afghanistan imbroglio. He said Afghanistan situation is not only affecting any country, but has negative impact on the whole region.
To a query about holding negotiation with Taliban, he said ANP is ready if Taliban agrees on three conditions which include accepting writ of the government, condemn violence and stop support to those using Pakistan's soil for carrying out terrorist activities. About the American policy in post Osama scenario, the ANP leader said he does not see presence of Americans on Pakistan's soil. They may stay in Afghanistan, but would not enter Pakistan, he reiterated.