PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) has said that the apparent power struggle between the provincial and federal governments is a conspiracy to keep Pakhtuns deprived of their basic constitutional rights. Addressing ANP district Peshawar council meeting at Bacha Markaz here on Thursday, the provincial president, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, said that 18th Constitutional Amendment had guaranteed provincial autonomy and ANP would protect the law at all costs. “The 18th Amendment has granted the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constitutional rights over their resources,” Hussain said. “We will not let any conspiracy succeed against this amendment.” Mr Hussain criticised the provincial government’s handling of terrorism, stating that extremist sympathisers existed within the government. He demanded accountability of those compromising provincial interests and reopening of trade routes with Afghanistan. “Peace is nonexistent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and terrorists roam freely,” Mr Hussain said. “The provincial government has failed to ensure law and order.” The ANP leader also criticised the holding of the Feb 8 elections, alleging that the ‘General Faiz group’ manipulated the polls. Mr Hussain said that ANP advocated non-violence and always voiced support for peace. He called for reopening of trade routes with Afghanistan to revive economic activities and reduce unemployment. Other leaders including central secretary for human rights Khushdil Khan Advocate, vice presidents Shahi Khan Sherani and Salahuddin Momand, general secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai, and Chairman Provincial Election Commission Shakil Bashir Khan Umarzai were also present on the occasion.