Pakistan Cannot Progress Until Institutions Stay Out of Politics, Says Mehmood Achakzai

Swabi: Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, has stated that Pakistan cannot achieve progress as long as state institutions continue to interfere in politics. Addressing a public gathering (Olasi Jirga) in Swabi, Achakzai criticized the current government, saying, “Everyone knows how this government came into power — there’s no need for explanation.”
He emphasized that all institutions should operate within constitutional boundaries and that the Parliament must be the supreme authority of the state. He labeled the events of February 8 as the “worst form of terrorism,” claiming that the people’s right to vote was taken away at gunpoint.
Commenting on the distribution of water resources, Achakzai said that Punjab receives 50%, Sindh 38%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 8%, and Balochistan only 3%, a division that his party completely rejects. He urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to construct canals from the rivers to irrigate local lands, advocating for fair distribution of resources.
“We want a united Pakistan, but unity is only possible when everyone gets equal rights and a fair share of the country’s resources,” he said. He added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are rich in natural resources and do not need handouts.
Achakzai also questioned the share of IMF loans allocated to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that the provinces have been neglected despite their contributions. “We are ready to contribute our resources to run the country, but we must be given our rightful share so that we can bring back our youth who have been forced to migrate in search of work,” he concluded.