Assembly Will Not Function From Monday if Imran Khan Meeting Denied, Warns Mahmood Khan Achakzai

2 weeks ago

ISLAMABAD: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan, warned the government that the National Assembly would not be allowed to function from Monday if meetings with former prime minister Imran Khan continue to be restricted.

Addressing the National Assembly, Achakzai demanded that the government clearly announce when Imran Khan would be allowed to meet his family and political colleagues and whether he would be permitted medical treatment at a hospital of his choice.

“I politely ask the government to provide a clear answer within three days. Otherwise, if the Assembly does not function from Monday onward, we will not be responsible,” Achakzai said during his speech.

He criticized the restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan, arguing that even convicted criminals and drug traffickers are generally not denied access to visitors. He described Imran Khan as the country’s “most popular leader” and claimed that political figures, family members, and even international voices had been requesting permission to meet him.

Achakzai also alleged that speeches delivered by him in parliament were being censored and accused the government of pushing the opposition toward renewed confrontation inside the Assembly.

Referring to the 2024 general elections, he claimed that the current parliament was formed through irregularities and alleged that parliamentary seats had been “sold for millions.” He praised Pakistan’s youth for supporting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf despite what he described as efforts to sideline the party.

The opposition leader further urged the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reduce political tensions by lifting restrictions on Imran Khan’s meetings and ensuring proper medical treatment.

“If the government genuinely wants to ease tensions, it should allow meetings with Imran Khan and shift him to whichever hospital he wants for treatment,” Achakzai said.