The NWFP chief minister, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, called for a referendum on the issue as a way of determining the name. These offers were rejected by the ANP leadership and the ANP withdrew from both the federal and provincial governments.
The NWFP chief minister, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, suggested a public vote on the issue as a way of making a decision. The ANP's suggestions were rejected, resulting in their withdrawal from both national and regional governments.