Pakistan Is Beset by Terrorism and Crises, 50 to 60 People Killed Daily: Mahmood Achakzai
ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai has said that Pakistan is fundamentally facing serious challenges, with terrorism, violence and disputes over mines and minerals continuing across the country.
Addressing the National Assembly, Achakzai said the situation was particularly alarming in Waziristan, Bajaur and Khyber, among other areas. He urged the Speaker to allocate two days for a detailed debate on the country’s security and other pressing issues so that lawmakers, including Afridi and Baloch representatives, could present their views.
“We do not know why we have become so insensitive,” Achakzai said, claiming that 50 to 60 people were being killed every day in shootings and bomb blasts, including police personnel, ordinary citizens and children.
He called for a comprehensive parliamentary debate, saying that if members were given an opportunity to speak, some possible solutions could emerge. He stressed that the objective should not be political point-scoring or personal criticism but finding ways to address the country’s problems.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Achakzai said peaceful protest was a political right. Referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 protest, he said political workers protest when there is a lack of justice, restrictions on judicial and media freedom, or when Parliament is not sovereign.
He said his political alliance would support actions against oppression, coercion and undemocratic rule.
Regarding contacts with the Pakistan Peoples Party, Achakzai said political discussions naturally take place when political leaders meet. He said PPP leader Naveed Qamar had visited and expressed willingness to continue consultations.
He added that discussions with political leaders would focus on negotiations, ending the prevailing political tensions, ensuring parliamentary sovereignty and building a democratic Pakistan.
Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision concerning Imran Khan, Achakzai said that every person in prison has basic rights. He argued that restrictions on those rights could create public resentment.
“Imran Khan is Pakistan’s most popular leader, with millions of followers,” he said, adding that restrictions imposed on him were regrettable and should be removed immediately.
Meanwhile, Federal Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the opposition chamber of the National Assembly. They also met Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Nasir Abbas.
Hussain Ahmed Yusufzai, spokesperson for the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan, was also present during the meeting.
The discussions covered the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission, the prevailing political situation and matters of mutual political interest.
The participants agreed to continue the process of consultations and meetings.
