Mahmood Khan Achakzai Emphasizes Constitution’s Supremacy and Pashtun Rights at Quetta Jirga

Quetta:Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the Pakistan Constitutional Protection Movement, addressed participants on the third day of the Quetta Ulasi Qaumi Jirga. During his speech, he extensively discussed the supremacy of Pakistan’s constitution, the rights of the Pashtun people, and national issues.

Achakzai recalled a past decision made by a committee during Nawaz Sharif’s government, which included leaders like Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Imran Khan, and others. The committee had agreed that Afghan children born in Pakistan would be granted Pakistani citizenship. However, Achakzai noted, this decision was never implemented, questioning who had prevented its execution.

He further expressed concern over the erosion of constitutional governance and the rule of law in the country, emphasizing that Pakistan’s unity is anchored in its constitution. Ignoring this constitution, he warned, could be dangerous for the country’s future.

Achakzai also spoke on the discrimination faced by Pashtuns in obtaining national identity cards. He called for equal application of laws to all ethnic groups in Pakistan, pointing out the unjust treatment of Pashtuns by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party, he said, would not hesitate to approach the United Nations and international courts if necessary.

On the issue of Pashtuns being divided across multiple regions, Achakzai stressed that despite Pakistan’s provinces being represented by their respective communities, the Pashtun population had been fragmented. He reaffirmed that the Pashtun people would continue their democratic struggle within the framework of Pakistan’s constitution to secure a united Pashtun province.

Addressing the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, Achakzai lamented that around 30 people were being killed daily, yet the government remained silent. He stressed that true peace cannot be achieved without justice.

For Pakistan to become a genuinely Islamic, democratic, and constitutional state, Achakzai emphasized that all nations within the country must be granted equal rights. He also called for the establishment of an independent and impartial election commission to ensure true representation of the people.

Achakzai concluded by asserting that Pakistan would only thrive when the rights of all its people – including Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns – are safeguarded. The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party will continue to protect the rights of the Pashtun people through democratic means and will not allow any plot to enslave them. He urged all nations to unite in defending Pakistan’s constitution and work towards building a strong and unified nation.