Talks Without Meeting Imran Khan Are Meaningless; How Can a Government That Came Through a Stolen Mandate by Relying on Force and Money Be Legitimate? Mahmood Khan Achakzai

Zhob (Daily Qudrat Quetta): Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, and head of the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has said that Pakistan is currently facing an extremely difficult situation. In such circumstances, negotiations between the government and the opposition without meeting PTI founder Imran Khan can neither be meaningful nor helpful in resolving the current crisis.

He expressed these views while addressing a large public gathering organised by the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party at Baz Muhammad Shaheed Ground in Zhob on the occasion of the anniversary of the Martyrs of Democracy of October 7, 1983, and the Martyrs of the Homeland of October 11, 1991.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that if the other party in the negotiations consults its leaders and other people, then PTI and the opposition also have the right to meet Imran Khan and consult him. He said that until I meet Imran Khan, I will not be part of any negotiations.

He said that Imran Khan and his party have reposed trust in me, and I will make every possible effort to live up to that trust. However, I must also have the courage to call right what is right and wrong what is wrong. Why is the government afraid of our meeting with Imran Khan?

Mahmood Khan Achakzai warned that the imposition of governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would have serious political consequences. He said, “You impose governor’s rule; we will announce people’s rule and protest in every district.”

He said that conditions have been created such that Sohail Afridi now has no option but to move forward.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that a no-confidence motion was brought against Imran Khan’s government, after which he was arrested and put in jail, and his party’s election symbol was also taken away. But despite this, the people gave him their mandate. Ultimately, through force and money, his won mandate was snatched from him.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai asked, “How can a government that comes as a result of this stolen mandate be legitimate?”

He said that powerful circles made every possible effort to break Imran Khan, but by the grace of Allah, he has stood firm so far. Now the time has come for the process of those who sought to break him to break themselves.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai appealed to all political forces to at least agree on a national agenda, so that a workable plan and path can be determined for the prosperous future of 250 million people.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that we came out against dictator General Zia-ul-Haq on October 7, 1983, because he had usurped the people’s right to rule by imposing martial law. That day, direct fire was opened on us, in which he himself remained miraculously safe; however, four of his companions were martyred, dozens were injured, and hundreds of workers were arrested. Today, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of all those martyrs of democracy and martyrs of the homeland.

He said that for nearly half a century, a great deal of Pashtun blood has been spilled, but the thirst of powerful vested interests has still not been quenched. The Pashtuns’ only “crime” is that they love their land, while powerful elements want to plunder their resources.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that the situation demands that Pashtuns set aside their mutual grievances, resolve their disputes through jirgas, and strengthen unity and harmony within their ranks.

He said that the new appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and those members of the Election Commission whose terms of service have expired should be made in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Constitution and the law.

He said that he is ready to meet the Prime Minister at any neutral and public place.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai demanded that those judges of the judiciary, political leaders, and workers who opposed martial law and PCOs be declared national heroes.

Welcoming the Russian Foreign Minister’s statement regarding Afghanistan on the occasion of the 18th meeting of the Moscow Format for Consultations on Afghanistan, he said that the powers that intervened in Afghanistan and their allies owe a debt to Afghanistan. It is their responsibility to fulfil their obligations for Afghanistan’s stability, development, and prosperity.

Addressing the gathering, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Central Secretary Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai said that the distribution of Pashtun lands continues through allotments and transfers, while on the other hand, their natural resources and minerals are being plundered.

Central Information Secretary Talimand Khan said that the causes of ongoing terrorism and bloodshed in the Pashtun homeland are not local; rather, they are the result of decades-old state foreign and security policies and policies aimed at controlling politics internally.

District Sherani President Dr. Qutbuddin also addressed the gathering, while District Zhob President Jamal Khan Mando Khel performed the duties of moderator.

Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Central General Secretary Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal presented the resolutions at the gathering.

Also present at the gathering were the party’s Central Deputy Chairman Abdul Rauf Lala, Central Additional Finance Secretary Agha Syed Liaqat Ali, Central Secretaries Dr. Hamid Khan Achakzai, Jabar Khan Utmankhel, Salahuddin Khan, Abdul Haq Abdal, Provincial President Abdul Qahar Wadan, Provincial Senior Vice President Syed Sharaf Agha, Vice President Warangah Loni, Provincial General Secretary Kabir Afghan, and other central and provincial leaders.