Truth-Based Dialogue Can Resolve Pakistan and Balochistan Issues, Says Mahmood Khan Achakzai
QUETTA: Chief of the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has said that the challenges facing Pakistan and Balochistan can only be resolved through truth, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Addressing the Balochistan Bar Council in Quetta, Achakzai stated that involving only tribal chiefs and influential figures would not be sufficient to address the province’s longstanding issues. He noted that lawyers understand well that Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution was the result of a long democratic struggle.
He said that while elections are held regularly, lasting solutions to national problems can only be achieved through adherence to the Constitution and an independent judiciary.
Criticizing the political system, Achakzai alleged that parliamentary seats are often traded, adding that the problems of ordinary citizens cannot be solved where legislative institutions are influenced by money and vested interests.
He further stated that individuals who speak for justice and constitutional rights are frequently labeled as traitors, despite the Constitution clearly defining both citizens’ rights and acts of treason. According to him, the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan includes several popular political parties and advocates for free, fair, and impartial elections across the country.
Achakzai emphasized that the people of a province should have the first right over their natural resources and clarified that his movement is not opposed to any individual or institution.
Commenting on the role of intelligence agencies, he said that intelligence organizations are an essential part of every country’s state structure, but stressed that the system should not be used against citizens or political opponents.
He also vowed that the country would not be allowed to drift toward civil conflict, adding that remaining silent under current circumstances would be a mistake. While reaffirming a commitment to peaceful and democratic struggle, he urged that political forces should not face unnecessary restrictions in pursuing their constitutional rights.
