Constitutional Supremacy and Parliamentary Sovereignty Essential for Pakistan’s Future, Says Mahmood Khan Achakzai

QUETTA: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), head of the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan), and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, has said that Pakistan can only be stabilized through the supremacy of the Constitution, parliamentary sovereignty, an independent judiciary, a free media, and adherence by all institutions to the constitutional framework.

Addressing lawyers and participants at the High Court Bar Association in Quetta, Achakzai warned that the region was facing a highly volatile situation, citing tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. He said the circumstances required wisdom and restraint from policymakers, warning that miscalculations could turn the region into a battlefield for global powers.

He stressed that no issue could be resolved without acknowledging truth and justice, arguing that corruption had been embedded into the country’s foundations and remained a key source of ongoing crises. He criticized the use of Section 144 restrictions against citizens while, according to him, those responsible for violating the Constitution had not been held accountable.

Achakzai said the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan was established after the February 8, 2024 elections in response to what he described as attacks on constitutional institutions. He claimed it was the only political movement formed without the backing of state agencies and urged citizens not to remain silent in the face of current challenges.

The opposition leader expressed concern over alleged interference by intelligence personnel in administrative affairs and decision-making processes, saying that injustice and institutional overreach could undermine national stability. He maintained that advocating for constitutional rule, parliamentary authority, and public rights should not be equated with disloyalty.

Referring to the 2024 general elections, Achakzai criticized the legal and political developments surrounding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that the party’s election symbol had been taken away through judicial intervention and that political engineering had influenced parliamentary outcomes.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s elected parliament should remain the ultimate source of authority, with domestic and foreign policies formulated through parliamentary consensus. He also called for constitutional recognition of the rights of Pashtuns, Baloch, Sindhis, Saraikis, and Punjabis over their natural resources and regional assets.

Achakzai clarified that he was not opposed to the armed forces, stating that the military and intelligence institutions are respected when operating within their constitutional mandates. However, he said political affairs and public movements should remain outside the scope of institutional intervention.

Warning against the formation of tribal militias, he said such proposals could push the country toward internal conflict. He pledged that his party would oppose any move that could lead to civil unrest and urged lawyers and judges to play an active role in defending constitutional governance.

The veteran politician also called on party workers to maintain civility in political discourse and avoid abusive language on social media. He described the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan as a nationwide movement open to all those who support constitutionalism, judicial independence, parliamentary supremacy, and media freedom.

On regional affairs, Achakzai urged Pakistan to convene a meeting of neighboring countries in the presence of the United Nations Secretary-General to discuss issues relating to Afghanistan. He cautioned against any adventurism toward Afghanistan, warning that destabilizing the country would have serious consequences for the entire region.

Speaking about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Achakzai said he remained the country’s most popular political leader and called for restrictions on meetings with him to be lifted. He urged authorities to allow access to his sisters, children, and political colleagues, adding that dialogue rather than confrontation was the only viable path to resolving political disputes.

He also referred to reports alleging the sale of government jobs in Balochistan and called on the provincial administration to address public concerns. Achakzai demanded an end to corruption, injustice, and institutional interference, advocating for a democratic Pakistan in which parliament serves as the true center of political authority.

Earlier, Achakzai visited the High Court, where lawyers associated with the Pashtunkhwa Lawyers Forum filed a petition seeking the dismissal of an FIR registered against him following a public gathering in Chaman on May 29. The lawyers described the case as unconstitutional, unlawful, and fabricated.