Rulers Must Uphold the Constitution, Not Strangle Democracy with Pharaoh-Like Politics: Mahmood Khan Achakzai
Islamabad: Chairman of the **Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)** and head of the **Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution**, **Mahmood Khan Achakzai**, has said that Pakistan cannot escape its ongoing crises without ensuring the **supremacy of the Constitution**, **parliamentary governance**, and an end to **military and intelligence interference in politics**.
Speaking at an event held at the **National Press Club Islamabad** to mark the death anniversary of journalist **Arshad Sharif**, Achakzai delivered a fiery speech, accusing the current rulers of behaving like “Pharaohs” who seek to **cling to power through arrogance and oppression**, suppressing democratic voices and constitutional rights.
He lamented that **Parliament has been reduced to a rubber stamp**, while the **judiciary and media face serious threats** to their independence. Achakzai emphasized that the **Constitution is a social contract**, and that **national unity cannot exist without protecting the rights and inclusion of all citizens**.
Calling upon **lawyers, journalists, civil society, and political parties** to unite against unconstitutional actions, Achakzai urged them to take a clear and firm stance for **constitutional supremacy and democracy**.
Drawing on personal and historical references, he said the struggles of his late father, **Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai**, and the martyrdom of **Arshad Sharif** both symbolize sacrifices in the pursuit of truth and justice. “The fight between truth and falsehood will continue,” he said, “and sacrifices will always be required to uphold what is right.”
Achakzai asserted that the **roles of the army and intelligence agencies must be clearly defined**, and all officials — including the **Army Chief** — must strictly adhere to their **constitutional oaths**. Failure to do so, he warned, could lead to **democratic chaos and social fragmentation**.
He also appealed to political leaders including **Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI)** to form a **joint national agenda** based on key constitutional principles to steer the country back onto the path of democracy.
“If democratic norms are not respected,” Achakzai cautioned, “the people will have no choice but to take to the streets — and that would be the last resort.”
Concluding his address, he demanded **transparent investigations into all incidents of injustice and abuse of power**, holding responsible officials accountable. Achakzai vowed to continue the struggle for **constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, and protection of citizens’ rights**.
The event was attended by **several political leaders, journalists, and civil society members**, who paid tribute to the martyrs at the end of the ceremony.
