The ANP is a secular party that had tendencies of separatism in the past, especially when the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal was overshadowing them in Musharraf's time. Since the ANP has come into power, it has forsaken its separatist tendencies & become a nationalist party. They are a good counter to Taliban extremism, & a good representation of moderate/liberal patriotic Pakistani Pashtuns. Just like the MQM is a great counter to extremism as well (despite their 'shady' history), as they are an excellent representation of the moderate/liberal voices of Pakistan.