Achkzai Calls for National Uprising Against “Stolen Mandate” on Independence Day

QUETTA/ISLAMABAD:Chairman of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party and leader of the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution), Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has strongly criticized the current political system and called for mass public mobilization on Independence Day.

In a hard-hitting interview with a private TV channel, Achakzai said that Pakistan’s current state does not reflect true independence. “If there were any shame left in the world, Pakistan should be observing Independence Day with black flags,” he said. “Freedom was never about just roads, railways, or universities—these were already in place during the British era. True freedom is about the right to self-rule.”

He lamented that although Pakistan achieved independence 78 years ago, the right to rule still hasn’t reached the common man. “The poor remain marginalized, and institutions are being run for the benefit of the elite.”

Referring to Pakistan’s worsening economic situation, Achakzai cited international reports indicating that nearly 47% of the population is living below the poverty line. “Ten crore people in this country don’t have food to eat twice a day,” he stated, questioning the purpose of any governance structure that fails to meet the basic needs of its citizens.

Achakzai condemned the hybrid political system, calling it a regime tailored to protect the interests of corrupt elites. He announced that peaceful protests will be held across Balochistan on August 14, with people coming out in large numbers to demand real democracy, release of political prisoners, and end to what he calls a “stolen mandate.”

He emphasized that protests on August 5 in Chaman, Sibi, Harnai, Quetta, Zhob, Loralai, and other areas were peaceful, yet ignored by the media and government.

Achakzai also criticized the Speaker of the National Assembly, saying that Parliament has been reduced to a farce. He accused the current Speaker of abusing parliamentary rules and suppressing dissent. “Is this how a democratic house should function?” he asked.

Speaking about the 2024 general elections, Achakzai reiterated his stance that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had won the elections, but their mandate was stolen. “On the night of February 8, PTI swept the elections. But their leader was barred from contesting, their symbol was taken away, and even then, they emerged victorious,” he said.

Achakzai made an appeal for a national consensus, calling upon all major parties including PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, ANP, Jamaat-e-Islami, journalists, judges, and military officials to come together and agree on a national democratic agenda. He proposed a charter with key principles:

* Constitution shall remain supreme
* Parliament shall be the source of all power
* No election rigging or military interference
* Civilian supremacy over foreign and domestic policies
* All institutions to remain within their constitutional limits

“Only then can Pakistan become the tiger of Asia within ten years,” he declared.

Achakzai warned against any further constitutional amendments that undermine provincial rights. “Please, don’t set the country on fire. People will not forgive those responsible.”

He concluded by saying that true patriotism lies in upholding democracy and delivering justice to the people, not in suppressing dissent or stealing elections. “No one is bigger than the people of Pakistan—not Nawaz Sharif, not anyone else.”

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