Aimal Wali Khan Warns of Severe Pushback if Afghan Trade Routes Are Closed; Criticizes Judiciary and State Policies

**Quetta** – Awami National Party (ANP) chief **Aimal Wali Khan** delivered a fiery and highly charged speech during a public gathering in Quetta, issuing strong warnings to the state regarding border closures and policies affecting Afghan and Pashtun communities.

He cautioned that if the government attempted to restrict movement at the **Chaman and Torkham borders** under the pretext of passport and visa regulations—thereby choking the economic lifeline of Afghans and Pashtuns—then his party would respond by **blocking all routes leading to Punjab**, which he claimed would bring Punjab’s markets to a standstill.

Aimal Wali Khan also launched a stern critique of the judiciary, accusing certain judges of operating under what he described as a “Lahori group” and claiming that those who took oaths under the **PCO** historically protected individuals who violated the Constitution. He said such alleged influence over judicial decisions was unacceptable.

Addressing the issue of Afghan refugees, he accused the state of pursuing a “double standard,” stating that Afghan fighters were celebrated as *mujahideen* when foreign funding was involved, but are now being labeled a burden. He declared that the region is historically Afghan and insisted that no one has the right to expel or humiliate Afghan populations.

The ANP leader further criticized what he called a government imposed through “Form 47,” vowing to resist what he described as injustice and coercion.