- ANP Veteran Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour Bids Farewell to Politics
- End of an Era: Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour’s Retirement from Political Life
- Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour Announces Retirement: A Reflective End to His Political Journey
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Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, a towering figure in the Awami National Party (ANP) and a stalwart of Pakistan’s political landscape, has officially announced his retirement from politics, marking the end of a distinguished and impactful career.
This significant decision not only closes a chapter in Bilour’s life but also represents a pivotal moment for the ANP, as one of its most seasoned leaders steps down.
Bilour, who has long been a symbol of resilience and dedication within the ANP, made the announcement on Thursday, stating that he would be leaving Peshawar, his lifelong political stronghold, to relocate to Islamabad.
This move signals his complete withdrawal from the active political scene, a choice shaped by a combination of personal and professional factors.
In a heartfelt and candid interview with the media, Bilour spoke openly about the challenges he faced during his political journey.
He highlighted the external pressures that influenced his electoral outcomes, expressing his belief that these pressures played a crucial role in his recent defeats.
“I do not align with the standards of the powerful quarters, which is why I have been defeated four times in what I can only describe as selections, not elections,” Bilour remarked, revealing the frustrations that have contributed to his decision to retire.
Bilour’s exit from politics is also tinged with deep personal sorrow. The tragic deaths of his brother, Bashir Bilour, and his nephew, Haroon Bilour, both victims of militant attacks, have cast a long shadow over his political career, diminishing his resolve to continue.
Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour’s political journey began in the 1970s with the ANP, where he quickly established himself as a formidable leader.
He contested in 12 general elections, beginning in 1988 in his hometown of Peshawar. Although his first attempt was unsuccessful, he later secured a seat in the National Assembly through a by-election, marking the start of a series of notable political victories.
Among his most significant achievements was his triumph over former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in the 1990 elections, and his subsequent appointment as the Minister for Railways under Nawaz Sharif’s administration.
However, the later years of Bilour’s career were marked by a series of electoral defeats, particularly at the hands of PTI candidates in 2013, 2018, and most recently, the 2024 general elections. T
hese losses, coupled with the personal tragedies he endured, have ultimately led him to the decision to retire, bringing an end to a remarkable era in Pakistan’s political history.
