PESHAWAR – A high-level delegation of the Awami National Party (ANP), led by Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, visited the Iranian Consulate in Peshawar to offer heartfelt condolences following the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The ANP delegation visit to Iranian Consulate served as a platform for the party to express solidarity with the government and people of Iran during this period of national mourning. The delegates met with the Iranian Consul General, Ali Banafsha Khah, to offer special prayers for the departed soul and others martyred alongside him.
ANP Leadership Stands with Iran
The delegation included several prominent figures, such as Provincial Senior Vice President Syed Aqil Shah, General Secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai, and spokesperson Arsalan Khan Nazim. Other key members present were Joint Secretary Hamid Tufan, Secretary Youth Affairs Tariq Afghan Advocate, Salar Shakirullah Shinwari, and Izhar Khalil.
During the meeting, Mian Iftikhar Hussain emphasized that the ANP considers itself an equal sharer in the grief of the Iranian people. He stressed that respecting sovereign states and adhering to international law is mandatory for lasting peace in the region.
A Call for Non-Violence and Sovereignty
Speaking on the regional security situation, Mian Iftikhar Hussain delivered a stern warning against foreign intervention.
“An attack on any country’s leadership is not only a strike against its sovereignty but also threatens the peace and stability of the entire region,” Hussain stated. “The region is already suffering from the negative effects of unrest and wars; further tension will be detrimental to global peace.”
The ANP President reiterated the party’s core values, noting that the ANP delegation visit to Iranian Consulate reflects their long-standing stance against imperialist intervention, aggression, and the undue use of force.
Key Diplomatic Messages from the Visit
| Theme | ANP Stance |
| Regional Peace | Requires respect for international laws and sovereign borders. |
| Conflict Resolution | Dialogue and political wisdom are the only foundations for peace. |
| Philosophy | Bacha Khan’s philosophy of non-violence is more relevant today than ever. |
| Global Responsibility | The international community must promote negotiations to protect human lives. |
Hussain further remarked that terror, war, and bloodshed offer no solutions. Instead, he urged the global community to play an effective role in ending current tensions through dialogue and mutual respect.
The Iranian Consul General concluded the meeting by expressing his deep gratitude to the ANP leadership for their visit and their supportive stance during this difficult time.
