Mahmood Khan Achakzai Calls for United Democratic Uprising to Restore Constitutional Rule in Pakistan

Quetta: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, delivered a fiery and impassioned press conference at Quetta Press Club on Friday. Surrounded by senior party leaders and supporters, Achakzai issued a strong call for all democratic forces to unite and overthrow what he called an “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional” government, warning that failure to act could result in Pakistan’s collapse.
Achakzai said the state has continuously violated the constitution, suppressed judiciary and media freedom, and denied the basic democratic rights of its 250 million citizens through coercion, money, and force. “A government that steals the people’s mandate cannot be allowed to rule,” he declared. “We will not compromise on democracy or the constitution.”
He emphasized that oppressed nationalities—including Pashtuns, Baloch, Sindhis, and Saraikis—must be granted equal rights and ownership of their resources. He condemned the exploitation of natural resources in provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while the local population remains deprived of basic necessities such as food, gas, and education.
“If I am made Chief Minister and fail to resolve the issue of bread for the poor within 10 years, I deserve to be shot,” Achakzai said, underscoring the depth of economic desperation in the region.
Achakzai accused the current parliament of being a “marketplace” where loyalties are bought and sold. He criticized the electoral process, alleging that votes were manipulated and millions were spent to ensure pre-determined outcomes. “A candidate spent Rs. 900 million for just one vote—where does this money come from?” he questioned.
He also called attention to the plight of teachers in Balochistan, claiming many are paid well but do not teach, while dedicated educators have fled the province due to deteriorating conditions.
Speaking on civil liberties, he slammed restrictions on meeting political prisoners like Imran Khan, denouncing it as a violation of constitutional rights. “The law does not prohibit visits to even dangerous inmates. Why is this exception being made?” he asked.
On the issue of Afghan refugees, Achakzai demanded that those born in Pakistan or who have invested billions in the country be granted citizenship, in line with international norms.
He also warned that if the government continues to ignore the constitution, restrict press freedom, and deny economic opportunities, a mass movement would erupt. “The people will rise, not for rebellion, but for constitutional rights. We are not separatists, we demand justice within the state,” he asserted.
Achakzai proposed peaceful protests across the country, including weekly sermons in mosques advocating for constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and press freedom. “If two crore people take to the streets from one lakh mosques, no power in the world can silence their voice,” he said.
In a message to Nawaz Sharif and his party, Achakzai urged them to take a clear stand for democracy and disassociate from what he called a “non-representative” regime. He lamented that those who once championed the slogan “Respect the Vote” are now silent, having compromised on democratic values.
Concluding his address, he stated that Pakistan’s survival depends on the rule of law, equality of opportunity, resource ownership by local communities, and the restoration of true democratic governance. He warned that continued state injustice would lead to social chaos and that the people’s patience is wearing thin.
“This country cannot be run on brute force. It must be built on trust, justice, and constitutional values,” Achakzai said.