Achakzai Ready for ‘All Kinds of Dialogue’ but Vows to Continue Struggle Against Governor’s Rule in KP

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said he is ready for “all kinds of dialogue” to resolve political issues and build a democratic Pakistan, but vowed to continue the public and democratic struggle against the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing a press conference outside Parliament House in Islamabad alongside other opposition leaders, Achakzai said their movement for the restoration of democracy would remain peaceful.

“We will neither abuse anyone, nor fire bullets, nor throw stones at anyone,” he said.

Achakzai appealed to the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to continue their democratic struggle in districts where emergency had not been imposed, while avoiding any action that could lead to violence.

The federal government reportedly imposed emergency and Governor’s Rule in KP on October 11, took Chief Minister Sohail Afridi into custody and introduced several changes to the province’s administrative and security structures. These included the formation of an 11-member advisory council, the establishment of a separate secretariat to oversee administrative affairs in 12 security-sensitive districts, the deployment of the army, transfers of senior officials including the chief secretary and senior police officers, and the removal of 57 officials from the Advocate General’s Office.

Achakzai Defends Sohail Afridi, Seeks Meeting With Imran Khan

Defending KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Achakzai said the latter had launched a long march because the PTI founder was in prison and reports about his health were causing concern. The purpose, he said, was to secure permission to meet him.

The opposition leader said he and Senate Opposition Leader Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas wanted an agreement between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, he questioned how an agreement could be reached when they were not even being allowed to meet their leader.

Achakzai demanded permission to meet former prime minister Imran Khan and pledged that he would not disclose anything to the media after the meeting.

He also claimed that efforts had been made to force Imran Khan to leave the country, adding that the PTI founder’s refusal to do so demonstrated his courage.

Achakzai alleged that the public mandate had been stolen and the voting rights of people who supported PTI had been violated. He claimed that the public had backed Imran Khan’s party but that its mandate had been taken away through the use of force. He said the voting rights of 40 million people had been made a mockery.

Referring to the security situation in Balochistan, Achakzai questioned why emergency or Governor’s Rule had not been imposed there despite deteriorating security conditions. He alleged that no such action had been taken because people favoured by the ruling party were in power in the province.

He maintained that the political crisis could only be resolved through truth and mutual trust, adding that negotiations should involve individuals trusted by Imran Khan.

Criticising the existing political system, Achakzai said democracy could only be strengthened if Parliament exercised genuine authority. He also raised objections to election results and the formation of governments in different provinces.

He stressed that Parliament must become the centre of power for Pakistan’s development and stability, and that political differences should be resolved through democratic means.

Reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan, Achakzai said he would continue his struggle for the country’s future and urged the government and relevant authorities to reduce political tensions through dialogue.

Opposition Leaders Being Branded as Terrorists: Raja Nasir Abbas

Senate Opposition Leader Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas endorsed Achakzai’s position, saying the Constitution was being treated as a mere piece of paper.

He alleged that constitutional amendments had been forcibly passed in the National Assembly and Senate and that opposition leaders had been labelled terrorists.

Describing the removal of the KP government as an assault on the provincial administration, Raja Nasir Abbas said the government had been dismissed in the name of restoring peace and eliminating terrorism.

He questioned whether similar measures taken in the past had succeeded in establishing peace. He also argued that if the security situation justified imposing emergency in KP, the situation in Balochistan should be treated in the same manner.

Raja Nasir Abbas said the matter had gone too far and that no government could impose its will without public support.

PTI to Challenge Emergency and Governor’s Rule in Peshawar High Court: Barrister Gohar

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said his party had reviewed the implications of the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and had taken several decisions in response.

Describing October 11 as a black day in the country’s history, he said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been taken into custody and Governor’s Rule imposed in the province.

Gohar announced that PTI would challenge the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in the Peshawar High Court. He said the party would oppose the government’s actions at every forum, stage protests in Parliament and reject the resolution relating to emergency.

He demanded that the federal government reverse the measures taken on October 11 and restore the elected provincial government. According to Gohar, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reject emergency and Governor’s Rule, and the federation can only be strong when its provinces are strong.

He described terrorism as a major threat to Pakistan and said terrorists should find no safe haven anywhere in the country. However, he cautioned that the fight against terrorism should not be used to divide the public.

Gohar claimed that contacts with the federal government had continued until the last moment before the measures were taken, but the government machinery was changed abruptly despite those communications.

The PTI chairman said his party would continue its struggle through constitutional and political means. He also announced that a meeting of the party’s parliamentary committee would be held the following day.