In 1986, the National Democratic Party merged with several other progressive political and nationalist groups to form the awami National Party. abdul Wali Khan was elected as its president and Sindhi nationalist Rasul Bakh Palijo was elected its secretary general. abdul Wali Khan is the son of Pashtun non-violence advocate, Khan abdul Ghaffar Khan, who was a friend of Mahatma Gandhi. The strongholds of aNP are in the Pashtun areas of Pakistan, particularly the North-West Frontier Province. The party is espouses a liberal pro Pashtun philosophy advocating regional autonomy and cultural expression. a frequent coalition partner in provincial politics it was routed in the 2002 elections because of its opposition to the Taliban and support for the US invasion of afghanistan. It was targeted in 2007 and 2008 by presumed supporters of the Taliban. Despite the attacks, the party has advocated dialogue with moderate tribal elements to end present violence in the NWFP.
