PESHAWAR: Awami National Party general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain has asked the federal government to award punishment to all those involved in airing of derogatory remarks against Pakhtuns on the state-run television (PTV) during a mushaira on the eve of Eidul Fitr.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, the ANP leader said that the officials of PTV should apologise to Pakhtuns for hurting their sentiments otherwise his party would raise the issue in the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies. `The option to move court is also open for us,` he said.

Banning entry of the poet concerned in the PTV was not enough, he said, adding that it was a matter of serious concern for all the sensible people.

He said that it was mentioned in the relevant clause of the National Action Plan that action would be taken against hate speeches. He said that it was a matter of national integrity, which should be taken seriously to avoid polarisation.

`We will not rest till punishment is given to the officials responsible for airing derogatory remarks against Pakhtuns,` the ANP leader said.

He urged Pakhtuns to be united to fight against the forces creating rifts among people speaking different languages in the country.

He also demanded of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to take notice of such programmes which created hatred in the country. He said Pakhtuns should be described as nation not community.

Mr Hussain demanded of the PTV management to immediately suspend the officials, including general manager, programme manager, producer, script producer, and previewer. He said if the poet was official employee of PTV he should be terminated, otherwise lifetime ban should be imposed on him.

Pal(htunkhwa Olasi Tehreek convener Said Alam Mehsud, Prof Abaseen Yousafzai and Tariq Afghan were also present on the occasion. Bureau Report