The North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government has appointed Afrasiab Khattak its “peace envoy” and his status will be equivalent to that of a minister. Khattak is president of the NWFP chapter of the Awami National Party (ANP), which rules the NWFP. His appointment comes amid growing criticism on the government's peace talks with militants in Swat and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Khattak will be the peace envoy from Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti and a key member of “jirgas” (tribal elders meetings), holding peace talks in the NWFP and FATA. He will advise the chief minister through the NWFP chief secretary on the ongoing peace initiatives. Khattak had been chief of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) while being an active leader of the ANP, headed by Asfandyar Wali. An official said that the main purpose of Khattak's appointment was to coordinate peace efforts in the troubled areas. __
