Asghar Achakzai’s Arrest Is Political Revenge Despite Complainant’s Affidavit, Democratic Voices Cannot Be Suppressed: ANP
Provincial government’s method of suppressing political opponents is condemnable; announces contacts with other parties and public gathering in Chaman
Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta): A joint emergency meeting of the Awami National Party’s provincial cabinet, central office-bearers, parliamentary party, National Lawyers Forum, and Pashtun Students Federation was held under the chairmanship of the party’s acting provincial president, Jamaluddin Rashia. The meeting deliberated in detail on the arrest of party provincial president Asghar Khan Achakzai in a baseless, fabricated case and its motives. The meeting expressed grave concern that the complainant in the case had submitted an affidavit before the court declaring the allegations against Asghar Khan Achakzai and his family in the case to be malicious, yet Asghar Khan Achakzai’s bail was canceled and the requirements of justice were not met, which raises many questions. The Awami National Party and Asghar Khan Achakzai’s legal team express grave concern over this.
The meeting said that Asghar Khan Achakzai is a credible political leader who has always served beyond tribal bias for peaceful political struggle and the establishment of peace and harmony in the country. He is a strong voice for ending lawlessness in the province and for securing the rights of all oppressed nations, including Pashtuns and Baloch. His political struggle is tied to public rights, democracy, and the supremacy of the constitution and law. The Awami National Party’s position is that political voices cannot be silenced through such actions.
The meeting formed a committee to review all facts and legal aspects related to Asghar Khan Achakzai’s arrest. The committee will examine the legal status of the matter and present its recommendations. The meeting also decided that the party will contact the leadership of other political parties on this matter and the province’s situation, inform them of the facts, and determine the future political course of action through consultation. The Awami National Party reaffirms its commitment to continuing its struggle through democratic, political, and legal means for the protection of the rights of its leaders and workers, the supremacy of the constitution and law, and the rights of oppressed nations.
The meeting decided that a grand public gathering will be held in Chaman on the occasion of the 16th death anniversary of Shaheed-e-Watan Shaheed Khan Jilani Khan Achakzai and the 6th death anniversary of Shaheed Durand Asad Khan Achakzai, which will have deep and far-reaching effects on the current national political situation and the province’s deteriorating conditions. The central, provincial, and parliamentary leadership of the Awami National Party will participate in the public gathering. The meeting directed district and tehsil office-bearers and workers to accelerate preparations for the success of the public gathering to be held on the occasion of the martyrs’ death anniversaries.
