ANP Consultation Stresses Equality and Non-discrimination for all Party Members, Meaningful Participation of Women in Leadership and Decision-making

Aurat Foundation organized an Intra-Party Consultation with the Awami National Party (ANP) on its Party Constitution on 16 July 2026 at Serena Hotel, Peshawar. The consultation brought together 32 participants, including 9 women and 23 men, comprising members of the Central Executive Committee, senior party leadership, elected representatives, women leaders and other party representatives.

The consultation was attended by Mr. Hussain Shah Yousafzai, General Secretary, ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Ms. Chandni Kakar, Provincial Vice President (Women), ANP Balochistan; Mr. Saqibullah Khan Chamkani, Former Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and Member, Central Committee, ANP; Mr. Arsalan Khan Nazim, Provincial Spokesperson, ANP; Ms. Khadija Bibi, Provincial Vice President, ANP and Member of the Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Dr. Noor Jehan, Central Vice President, ANP; Mr. Amer Jeet Malhotra, Central Secretary, Minority Affairs; Mr. Naseeb Khan, Member, Central Executive Committee; and Dr. Ali Hyder Khan, Central President, Doctors Wing, ANP, along with other senior party leaders and representatives.

The consultation was opened by Brig. (Retd.) Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, Central Secretary General, ANP; Ms. Shagufta Malik, Central Joint Secretary, ANP; and Mr. Naeem Ahmed Mirza, Executive Director, Aurat Foundation. Mr. Sangeen Khan, Advocate and Central Secretary for Legal Affairs, ANP, presented an overview of the ANP Constitution, outlining its key provisions, organizational structures and guiding principles. In his opening remarks, Brig. (Retd.) Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan appreciated AF, UNDP, UN Women and EU for convening the consultation and reaffirmed that democracy, equality, social inclusion, non-violence and political empowerment are central to ANP’s political vision and the legacy of Bacha Khan. He emphasized that these principles should be reflected not only in the party’s political discourse but also in its internal structures. He highlighted the need to strengthen Inclusion of youth, persons with disabilities, minorities, workers and other underrepresented groups. women’s meaningful participation beyond numerical representation. He also emphasized the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth, persons with disabilities, religious and ethnic minorities, workers and other underrepresented groups to participate in party affairs and decision-making.

Dr. Saleem Khan confirmed that recommendations emerging from the consultation would be referred to the relevant party forums for consideration, including feasible proposals for future constitutional amendments and institutional improvements. He also welcomed continued engagement with Aurat Foundation and other stakeholders to support evidence-informed and sustainable reforms within the party. Participants recommended the development and adoption of a GESI-responsive Code of Conduct applicable at all levels of the ANP.

The consultation called for:

• Equality and non-discrimination for all party members.
• Meaningful participation of women in leadership and decision-making.
• A safe, respectful and harassment-free party environment.
• Transparent and inclusive elections, nominations and appointments.
• Confidential complaint mechanisms to address harassment, discrimination and exclusion.
• Regular GESI training and awareness for party leaders and members.

The consultation concluded with a commitment to review the recommendations and consider feasible reforms to the ANP Constitution and organizational mechanisms. Mr. Hussain Shah Yousafzai, General Secretary, ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasized that GESI commitments should be translated into practical, measurable and sustained action through clear institutional responsibilities and systematic follow-up at the central, provincial, district and local levels.