The only thing that the ANP can do for the pashtuns is give them an identity. They cant get them jobs, security, food, improved standard of life, better education so they have made this one issue one to fight for.
It all boils down to principles.
If i was a filthy rich Pakhtun politician I would not worry about the economy, social issues, better life style for the people.....because I have that......I owuld worry about issues like identity/ name changing.
More and more Pakhtuns from NWFP each day are emigrating to Punjab and Sindh. There may not be anyone left in The pakhtun areas of NWFP because the government does not have and has never ever had a reakl plan to deal with the problems.
Why dont they fight for doing ACTUAL things for pakhtuns...ie making sure pashtu is a language taught in schools where there are pashtuns.
The only thing to a name change is what your lifes priorities are.
Again, this name change issue always becomes a focal point of attention because of the unnecessary opposition to it. I say lets change the name legislatively and move on to bigger and better issues. I agree that the economic issues, a better life for ALL residents of the province and managing the militant threat is a crucial priority.
I agree that Pakhtu along with Urdu and English should be taught in the appropriate areas. Hindko, Chitrali and other languages also must be supported on a provincial level as the represent the identities of mny people. We need comprehensive solutions for these problems and would be happy to discuss them with you.