Samar Haroon Bilour Joins PML-N, Says She Wants to Bridge Gap Between KP and the Federation

Peshawar: Former Awami National Party (ANP) leader Samar Haroon Bilour has officially joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying she made the decision after a year of careful consideration and consultation.

In a candid conversation with media, Samar revealed that PML-N senior leader Amir Muqam had invited her to join the party a year ago. “At the time, I was overwhelmed with political and family responsibilities, so I requested more time. But now that Gulam Ahmad Bilour has stepped back from active politics, the decision became easier,” she explained.

Samar, the widow of martyred ANP leader Haroon Bilour, said that she entered politics unexpectedly after her husband’s assassination, and her political grooming took place at Bilour House. “I hold ANP leaders and workers in high regard. But I also have my own political ideology,” she said.

She noted that when people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) visit Islamabad or Punjab and see the development, they feel like they’re living in a different world. “There’s a visible disconnect between the federation and KP’s people, and I want to bridge that gap—not just highlight our problems, but help solve them.”

Samar emphasized that there was no political deal or promise made with PML-N regarding positions or privileges. “All that was discussed was the desire to serve the people and the party,” she said. “The people of KP, who have long suffered from terrorism, deserve special attention and understanding from the rest of the country.”

Regarding her meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Samar said he showed genuine commitment to addressing KP’s issues. She believes PML-N wants to reorganize itself in KP, and her inclusion in the party is part of that effort.

Commenting on other political parties, Samar said that PTI’s political environment doesn’t align with her views and she doesn’t see herself being effective while part of it. While she respects PPP’s leadership, she believes one should join a platform where their voice can be heard more clearly.

When asked why she left ANP, Samar said, “Ghulam Bilour is my elder, and I respect his political decisions. I hope he will respect mine as well.” She admitted there were times when her opinions differed within ANP, and that led to uncomfortable situations. “That’s democracy,” she added.

She stressed that her decision to join PML-N was not made in secrecy. “I informed Ghulam Bilour and other members before making the move.”

Speaking emotionally about her personal losses, Samar said, “My household has witnessed two martyrdoms, and all investigations point to links with Afghanistan. I believe the state should be as firm as possible in fighting terrorism.”

Concluding her remarks, Samar said, “I want to celebrate August 14 with my children. I want to openly support Pakistan in matches against Afghanistan. That’s my political identity now.”