Guards foil attack on ANP leader Ayub Khan Ashari’s house in Swat

SWAT: Guards thwarted an armed assault on the residence of Awami National Party (ANP) senior leader and former provincial minister Ayub Khan Ashari in Asharay early Tuesday, officials said. All family members remained safe.

The assailants targeted Ashari’s house around 2 a.m., taking advantage of heavy rain and poor visibility, but fled following an exchange of fire with guards, police said. Heavy contingents later arrived to investigate.

Ashari described the attack as an attempt to silence voices advocating peace and rights but affirmed that neither he nor the ANP would abandon their stance.

The ANP condemned the incident, with provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain calling it “deeply concerning” and reflective of the worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted a recent similar attempt on the party’s district senior vice-president, Mumtaz Ali Khan, suggesting a coordinated campaign to intimidate ANP leadership.

Central president Aimal Wali Khan said the attack targeted not just an individual but a political ideology opposing militancy in the Malakand division. He criticized authorities for failing to secure political workers and highlighted the unchecked movement of militant elements within the province.

The ANP leadership called for an immediate investigation, punishment for the culprits, and stronger measures to protect citizens and political workers. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and resisting terrorism through democratic means, stating that fear would not deter their resolve.