Who Is Setting Fire to Cargo Trucks on Highways? If No Party Is Involved, Then Who Is Responsible: Mahmood Khan Achakzai

Quetta (Kudrat News) — Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Chairman of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has said that Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, is passing through an extremely critical and dangerous situation, stressing that supremacy of the Constitution, democratic process, and respect for the public mandate are essential to resolve political, economic, and law and order challenges.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta along with Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Raf Lala, Dr. Hamid Khan Achakzai, and other leaders, he said the situation in the country and province has become highly alarming. He added that Pakistan is facing one of the biggest crises in the region, while conditions in Balochistan are becoming increasingly complex, with people deprived of basic facilities and employment opportunities.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai questioned the deteriorating security situation, stating that cargo trucks are being set on fire on national highways on a daily basis. “If no party is involved, then who is responsible for these incidents?” he asked, urging authorities to take immediate steps to protect transporters and traders.

He said that the right to elect representatives to Parliament should solely belong to the people, and those chosen by the public must be allowed to represent them in the legislature. He also raised concerns over the transparency of the 2024 general elections, saying that in democratic systems worldwide, armed forces operate under elected civilian governments and state affairs are conducted through public representatives.

He further said that although Balochistan is rich in natural resources, its people continue to suffer from poverty and unemployment, while Pakistan is burdened with massive external debt. He questioned how much benefit has actually reached Balochistan and other deprived regions from these loans.

Rejecting proposals for the creation of new provinces and administrative units, he said such steps could weaken the country instead of strengthening it. He also called for unity between Baloch and Pashtun communities and urged a joint strategy for their rights.

The opposition leader demanded the immediate restoration of cross-border trade in Chaman and other border areas, warning that continued restrictions were severely affecting thousands of families dependent on it. He cautioned that if border routes were not reopened, a strong protest movement could be launched.

Criticizing the judicial system, Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that the judiciary has weakened, resulting in difficulties in the delivery of justice and an increase in lawlessness, killings, and unrest across the country.