Mahmood Khan Achakzai Raises Concerns Over Security Situation, Calls for Justice and Provincial Autonomy
Quetta: Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has expressed concern over the security situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, urging authorities to address what he described as growing unrest and ensure justice for all citizens.
Speaking at a public gathering, Achakzai said Pakistan is a federation comprising the homelands of four major nationalities and emphasized that the country is based on a voluntary federal arrangement. He stated that no nation within the federation should be considered superior or subordinate to another.
Referring to the security situation, he questioned why, in his view, the developments “from Bajaur to Khyber and from Khyber to the whole of Balochistan” were not receiving sufficient attention.
Achakzai said his party has consistently upheld the principle of internal provincial autonomy and has never compromised on that position.
He also expressed concern over the difficulties faced by Pashtuns across Pakistan, arguing that injustice contributes to resentment and instability. He said both Pashtuns and Baloch have historically struggled for their rights and claimed that stereotypes associating traditional Pashtun dress, including the turban and beard, with terrorism have unfairly stigmatized the community.
According to Achakzai, addressing grievances through justice, equal rights, and constitutional means is essential to preventing further tensions and promoting lasting peace.
