The dispute over the security arrangement for Awami National Party (ANP) central president Aimal Wali Khan has intensified, drawing sharp reactions from both the provincial government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the opposition party. At the heart of the clash is whether Aimal Wali Khan’s security detail remains in place, and who ordered its withdrawal or preservation. The incident underscores broader tensions between provincial autonomy and federal oversight, a political dynamic frequently described as a “hybrid regime” by ANP officials.
What ANP is alleging
According to ANP leadership, all security personnel assigned to Aimal Wali Khan were withdrawn, despite explicit directives reportedly issued by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to ensure his protection. The party asserts that the police brass acted against the chief minister’s orders and instead followed instructions from the federal interior ministry. ANP spokesperson Ehsanullah condemned the move as a violation of constitutional guarantees and provincial autonomy. He described it as the “suspension of the Constitution in practice,” arguing that the security withdrawal reflects a pattern by what he calls a “hybrid regime” that undermines provincial authority.
What the party member Aimal Wali Khan says
Aimal Wali Khan, who surfaced the issue on social media, stated that his security had been withdrawn. His public post amplified the controversy and drew swift condemnation from the ANP leadership, which framed the decision as not just a security lapse but a political maneuver. The social media disclosure added fuel to the fire, forcing the party to articulate a unified stance against both provincial and federal authorities—in their view, to protect a political ally from perceived interference.
KP government’s position
On the government side, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, sought to defuse the matter by saying that Aimal Wali Khan’s safety would be fully ensured in line with the chief minister’s directives. He even offered a light-hearted pledge to personally stand guard if required, underscoring the administration’s commitment to security regardless of political discord. A separate official statement insisted that no security withdrawal had occurred and that media reports alleging such actions were baseless and misleading. Officials noted that the regional police officer remained in contact with Aimal Wali Khan to finalize a protective roster, implying a process rather than a de facto withdrawal.
Underlying tensions between provinces and the federal system
The kerfuffle reveals deeper debates about provincial autonomy within Pakistan’s federal structure. The ANP has repeatedly criticized what it calls a “hybrid regime” with overlapping federal influence over provincial affairs. In this instance, the question is whether security arrangements for a provincial party leader should be dictated by provincial authorities or overridden by federal agencies. While the KP government emphasizes adherence to directives and local security planning, the ANP highlights perceived constitutional risks in allowing external authorities to directly influence the protection of a local political figure.
Implications for political stability and security planning
Security for political leaders is a sensitive issue, particularly in regions with a history of political violence and unrest. The current dispute could affect how political parties engage with law enforcement agencies and how protective duties are allocated among provincial police, police officers, and central intelligence structures. For the public, the episode raises questions about the certainty of safety for party leaders and the clarity of orders emanating from top provincial leadership. Observers will be watching how authorities communicate, whether the security roster is finalized, and how future directives are issued to prevent similar ambiguities.
What to watch next
Key developments to follow include official confirmation of the final security arrangement for Aimal Wali Khan, any reversal or reaffirmation of directives from the chief minister, and whether the federal interior ministry reviews or clarifies its stance on security duties for provincial party leaders. The outcome will likely influence the political dynamic between the ANP and the KP government, as well as broader discussions about provincial sovereignty within Pakistan’s federation.
