Makhdoom Khan Achakzai Calls for Unity and Constitutional Integrity Amidst Growing Tensions

QuettaضIn a passionate address at a grand Iftar gathering in Islamabad, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan, responded to recent threats against the Pashtun and Baloch communities. The remarks came after a video surfaced on social media claiming that an operation would be conducted after Eid to eradicate these ethnic groups.

Achakzai declared that such threats would not succeed, asserting that the Pashtuns and Balochs have a long history in their ancestral homelands and no one can erase that. He reminded the public that attempts to destroy these communities had already failed in the past, and the perpetrators were no longer in existence.

Achakzai criticized the lack of national unity in Pakistan, highlighting the failure to learn one another’s languages, including Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi, over 75 years. He emphasized that only the Constitution had kept diverse communities together, though he lamented that some were mocking it and undermining its authority. He pointed out the tragedy that violations of the Constitution, such as disregarding Section 144, have led to the deaths of countless individuals, yet no accountability or punishment has followed.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical involvement in foreign conflicts during the 1990s, Achakzai acknowledged the disastrous consequences of training terrorists and destabilizing the region. He called for a firm stance against terrorism in all its forms, whether committed by individuals, groups, or states.

Achakzai also addressed the current political crisis, questioning the legitimacy of the government and the role of military intelligence agencies in manipulating elections. He condemned the political interference and warned of the dangers of placing the country in the hands of individuals who are only motivated by personal gain, rather than national interest.

In his speech, Achakzai stressed the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of all ethnic groups in Pakistan, including the Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi, and Punjabi people. He called for equal recognition of the natural resources in these regions and affirmed that the rights of the children from these areas should be prioritized. Achakzai also spoke of the need for a new approach to governance in Pakistan, urging that democracy and constitutional integrity should be upheld to prevent further conflict and instability.

Additionally, he warned of the potential consequences of conflict with Afghanistan and emphasized the need for dialogue and peace in the region. Achakzai called for an international conference involving Afghanistan and its neighbors to address these issues, stressing that the future of the region should be built on mutual respect for sovereignty and peace.

In closing, Achakzai made an impassioned plea to the military leadership and intelligence agencies to refrain from further interference in the country’s democratic processes. He urged that Pakistan’s future be guided by the principles of the Constitution, calling for unity, dialogue, and respect for the rights of all communities.