Political Unity Essential for Peace in Pashtun–Baloch Region; Forced Evictions of Afghans, Sindh Operations Will Trigger Backlash: Asghar Achakzai
**Quetta (Daily Qudrat):** The Awami National Party (ANP) has expressed deep concern over rising unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that political unity among Pashtun and Baloch forces is crucial for restoring peace in the region. Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, ANP Balochistan President Asghar Achakzai—accompanied by the party’s Central Secretary General Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan—said that the party will reach out to all political and nationalist groups to formulate a comprehensive strategy that reduces tensions and allows people to live peacefully.
Achakzai said the recent ANP meeting discussed the deteriorating national situation, noting that conditions in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are particularly alarming. He accused the authorities of adding fuel to the fire through misguided policies, saying that the forced eviction of Afghans—many of whom grew up on Pashtun soil—is unacceptable.
He warned that raids on homes and actions in Sindh under the pretext of “checking Afghans” amount to ethnic profiling, which will provoke serious repercussions. He added that innocent women and political activists are imprisoned without any proven wrongdoing.
Achakzai lamented that bomb blasts and target killings have become routine in the Pashtun–Baloch belt, while people continue to suffer from a lack of basic facilities and deteriorating law and order. He questioned why peace and development available in Lahore and other parts of Pakistan are not ensured in Balochistan.
“Is Balochistan a occupied territory?” he asked, insisting that if not, then residents deserve the same level of security and services. He criticized the state of Quetta—once labeled a Safe City—pointing out the absence of gas, electricity, and clean water, as well as security trenches dug even around the Red Zone.
Achakzai further noted that while trade with India continues, the Afghan border remains closed. Despite tense circumstances, he added, trade with Iran and India is resumed, but Afghanistan is treated differently due to flawed policies that have historically linked Afghan leadership to India.
He said that the Pashtun belt has been handed over to armed groups and questioned why coal mine owners in Harnai are being asked to keep armed guards if security forces are present.
The ANP leader announced that the party will initiate dialogue with genuine political forces across the country to work toward long-lasting peace in the Pashtun–Baloch region.
