Mahmood Khan Achakzai Criticizes Government, Calls for National Unity and Constitutional Integrity

QUETTA:Chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) and President of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aiyn Pakistan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has strongly criticized the current political situation in Pakistan, accusing the government of suspending human rights, rendering parliament a “rubber stamp,” and violating the Constitution. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta on Friday, Achakzai raised concerns about the state of democracy, judiciary, and media freedom in the country.

Achakzai emphasized that the government and the parliament no longer represent the people. “The parliament is no longer a voice of the public, and we are witnessing the country go further into crisis. Human rights are suspended, and the judiciary and media are under constant pressure,” he stated. “In the 2024 elections, people voted for Imran Khan, but today, no one is allowed to meet him in prison. This is a dangerous trend.”

The PMAP leader called for a strong national unity in light of regional challenges, especially the situation in Iran and its potential impact on Pakistan. He argued that the current government under Shahbaz Sharif and his allies was incapable of addressing the needs of the nation. “We must bring this government down, and to do that, we need to make sacrifices. If we don’t act now, the country will be destroyed,” he warned.

Achakzai highlighted that over 45% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, with millions struggling to survive. He criticized the national budget, stating that a significant portion goes toward foreign debt and defense, leaving very little for the country’s development. “How can a country with 120 million poor people manage with a budget that is primarily used to pay off debts and fund defense?” he questioned.

He also pointed out the growing influence of powerful elites who have sold their loyalties, while those who remained loyal to the country are now under attack. “This government does not represent the people, and the West should also reconsider its relations with this non-representative government,” Achakzai added.

On the issue of media freedom, Achakzai condemned the use of the Peca Act to suppress the press and curtail democratic freedoms. “The judiciary, the media, and the people are all under threat,” he stated, urging for the reinstatement of constitutional integrity and human rights.

In light of the tensions in Iran, Achakzai stressed the importance of national unity. “We are being blamed for giving resources to Iran and other countries, and the international community will not forgive or forget this. We need to unite, but this is only possible when Shahbaz and his team step back,” he said.

Achakzai also addressed the issue of provincial autonomy, asserting that provinces should have the right to their resources. “The resources of this land belong to its people. If the government does not take into account the concerns of the local populations, it will lead to conflict,” he warned.

He also condemned the treatment of Afghan refugees, who despite living and working in Pakistan for decades, are not granted citizenship. “Millions of Afghan refugees have been here for years, contributing to the economy, but they are still not given citizenship. This is unjust,” he said.

In response to a question about the situation in Balochistan, Achakzai emphasized the need for promoting legal trade across borders and developing both sides of the province’s border areas to uplift local communities. He further added, “We need to address the basic needs of the people, including education and healthcare. If we cannot even send 200 students abroad for higher education every year, then we should be ashamed.”

On the topic of political unrest, Achakzai proposed a plan for widespread peaceful protests, where citizens would gather from mosques across the country every Friday. “Our demand is for the restoration of the Constitution, the protection of human rights, and freedom of the judiciary and press. No one will be able to suppress this voice,” he declared.

He concluded by urging for the protection of the Constitution and ensuring that any violation of the law should be punishable. He also criticized the current leadership for its failure to meet the basic needs of the people, calling for genuine democracy where elected representatives truly represent the people.