Pakistan at a Crossroads, Only Constitution Can Save Country: Mehmood Khan Achakzai

ISLAMABAD: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman and head of Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan, **Mehmood Khan Achakzai**, has warned that Pakistan is standing at a dangerous threshold due to repeated institutional interference and disregard for the Constitution.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Achakzai said that because of “our intrusions and wrongdoings, neither the judiciary nor the administration feels secure.” He stressed that anyone who speaks the truth and follows his conscience is not allowed to survive in institutions.

Achakzai proposed that all political parties should **unite on restoring the Constitution in its original 1973 form**, as introduced during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure, while scrapping later amendments except the 18th Amendment, which he termed a positive development.

The veteran politician insisted that **parliament must be the supreme authority**, elections should be free and fair, and foreign and domestic policies must be framed by elected representatives. Otherwise, he cautioned, “millions of frustrated citizens will take to the streets.”

On **Imran Khan’s imprisonment**, Achakzai questioned the rationale, saying:

> “What has Imran Khan done to be jailed? If you fear him, release him on bail. He is not someone who will run away. He will face his cases.”

He added that all democratic parties, including PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, and Jamaat-e-Islami, should sign a **charter for constitutional supremacy**. “If they do, I will personally ensure Imran Khan’s endorsement as well,” he claimed.

Achakzai further argued that Pakistan’s future lies in dialogue, not confrontation, with its neighbors, including Afghanistan and India, warning that wars have only weakened the country.

He concluded with a stern caution:

> “If constitutional order is not restored, the people’s patience will break. We will not hurl stones or insults, but the voice of the masses cannot be silenced.”