No Justice Even After 19 Years for 12 May Martyrs, Struggle for Constitutional Supremacy and Democratic Rule Will Continue: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party

Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta) — The central secretariat of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, in a press release marking the 19th anniversary of the 12 May 2007 incident, has paid rich tribute to the martyrs of Karachi and other unnamed victims across the country, reaffirming its commitment to constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, democratic governance, and equality among nations within a true federal system.
The statement said the party, under the leadership of its Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, continues to lead what it described as the country’s largest democratic opposition movement aimed at protecting the Constitution.
It recalled the political struggle initiated by Khan Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai for constitutional rule, “one person one vote,” national equality, and a genuine federal structure, along with a separate constitutional and autonomous status for the Pashtun nation.
Referring to the 12 May 2007 incident, the statement said that during the struggle for the restoration of democracy and an independent judiciary against the military rule of General Pervez Musharraf, an attack was carried out in Karachi on a rally welcoming the then deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan. The party alleged that a “fascist and terrorist organization (MQM)” targeted participants, resulting in the killing and injury of over 50 political workers, including party activist Mehtab Khan Afridi, while many others were injured. It further claimed that properties, businesses, and transport belonging to Pashtuns in Karachi suffered heavy losses.
The statement expressed regret that even after 19 years, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice. It criticized successive governments, political parties, and the judiciary for failing to deliver justice to the victims and their families, who are still awaiting accountability.
It further stated that the authoritarian policies of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf have had long-lasting damaging effects, and the country is still facing severe political and economic crises. It also claimed that the current government is a “so-called Form 47 regime.”
The party reiterated that without constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, genuine democratic rule, equality among federating units, and the restoration of electoral mandates, the country’s crises cannot be resolved. It demanded the release of political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and others.
The statement also accused ruling authorities of depriving citizens of basic facilities such as electricity, gas, education, healthcare, clean drinking water, employment, and peace, while alleging widespread corruption, nepotism, and violation of merit.
It further said restrictions on border trade have pushed thousands of families into poverty, while rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity continue to fuel public anger.
In its concluding remarks, the party expressed solidarity with the families of the 12 May martyrs and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice, stating that accountability remains the responsibility of the state.