Achakzai Voices Solidarity with Baloch Protesters, Calls for End to State Oppression

Islamabad/Quetta:Chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the “Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan,” Mahmood Khan Achakzai, expressed solidarity with participants of the Baloch missing persons protest outside the National Press Club. Addressing the gathering, he stated that raising one’s voice against oppression and for fundamental human rights is the constitutional right of every citizen.

Achakzai criticized the government for denying permission for peaceful protests, rallies, and public gatherings, warning that when people are not allowed to express their grievances, they are pushed to the brink. “If Pakistan is to function properly, the supremacy of the Constitution must be ensured, the Parliament must be the source of all power, and every human being must be treated with dignity,” he said.

He emphasized that the natural resources of regions such as Balochistan rightfully belong to the people living there. “The Constitution guarantees that the children of Balochistan, just like those of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, have the first right over the resources of their land,” he said. He lamented that while gas from Sui is supplied across the country, women in Dera Bugti and Murree still lack access to it.

Highlighting nationwide unrest, Achakzai said that from Bajaur to Khyber and across Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab, people are beginning to rise against injustice. “We don’t want to destroy this country, but we’ve made the decision to resist tyranny. Struggle against oppression has become inevitable,” he said.

Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he said, “Your own sisters are sitting here protesting. If you continue to seize people’s resources through force, and God forbid, civil war erupts, the blame will lie with you, your supporting judges, and generals.”

Achakzai also confronted police officers attempting to disperse the women’s sit-in organized by the Baloch Solidarity Council, urging them to respect their oath to uphold the Constitution rather than follow orders from what he called an unconstitutional regime. “This uniform is meant to defend the Constitution, not those who violate it,” he stated.

He accused the current government of engaging in corrupt practices, alleging that votes for the upcoming Senate elections were being bought for Rs 70 million each. “This is an illegitimate government that has broken the Constitution. Raising our voice against it is not just a right — it’s our responsibility,” he concluded.