Addressing a press conference at Bilour House, veteran politician and former federal minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour officially announced his retirement from parliamentary politics and his decision to relocate from his lifelong home, Peshawar.
Despite stepping back from electoral contests, the seasoned leader sent a clear message to his supporters: his loyalty to the Awami National Party (ANP) remains unshakable.
Loyalty to the Cause: “I Will Not Leave ANP”
Addressing the media, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour stated that while he is leaving the assembly floor, he is not abandoning his political roots. “I have not left the ANP, I am not leaving it, and I never will,” Bilour stated. Identifying himself as a lifelong soldier of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, he pledged to remain available whenever the party requires his guidance.
Serious Allegations Against the Establishment
The veteran leader did not mince words regarding his recent electoral losses. Ghulam Ahmad Bilour accused the establishment of engineering his defeat in constituencies he claims to have won.
“I have served this country and nation for 55 years, but it seems the establishment has no room for those who refuse to be bought or bowed,” Bilour remarked.
He expressed disappointment that his age and decades of service were not respected, noting that he was defeated three times under controversial circumstances.
Economic Concerns and the 18th Amendment
Turning his attention to the national landscape, Bilour highlighted the stark contrast between Pakistan’s military and economic standing. While maintaining that Pakistan has held its own in conflicts, he lamented that the country lags behind India in the economic arena. He urged all political parties and rulers to prioritize the nation’s financial stability.
Furthermore, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour issued a stern warning regarding the 18th Amendment. He compared its importance to the Objectives Resolution, stating:
- The 18th Amendment is the backbone of provincial autonomy.
- Any attempt to roll it back would cause irreparable harm to the federation.
- Those calling it “nonsense” fail to understand its constitutional gravity.
A Legacy of Sacrifice: The Party’s Tribute
While Bilour steps away from the ballot box, his identity remains inextricably linked to the red flag of the ANP. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the legacy of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, vowing to remain a “soldier” of the movement until his last breath.Endorsing this legacy, Dr. Mohammad Saleem Khan, Secretary General of the Awami National Party, paid a glowing tribute to the veteran leader:
“Ghulam Ahmad Bilour is the symbol of an entire epoch of our national movement. He tethered politics to ideology, struggle, and sacrifice rather than personal gain. Despite imprisonment, threats, and grueling hardships, he stood firm. He is the living embodiment of the philosophy of non-violence and provincial autonomy. While he withdraws from the assembly, his political legacy remains the heartbeat of conscious politics.”
A Final Goodbye to Peshawar
The most emotional part of the announcement involved his departure from Peshawar. After serving five terms in the assembly, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour revealed he is moving to Islamabad, citing personal circumstances that make it difficult for him to live alone in his hometown.
“Peshawar is my home, and its people are my own. They gave me immense respect and sent me to the assembly five times,” he said. He concluded by clarifying that while he will live in Islamabad, his final wish is to be buried in the soil of Peshawar.
