Balochistan Facing Lawlessness, Citizens Unsafe and Government Absent: Mahmood Khan Achakzai Announces Pashtun Grand Jirga

Quetta: Chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain Pakistan, and opposition leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has expressed serious concern over the political and security situation in Pakistan, saying the country is passing through a critical phase.

Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Achakzai said democratic institutions have weakened, constitutional supremacy is being questioned, and the public is facing uncertainty. He stressed that a true democratic system can only be strengthened by ensuring respect for the people’s mandate and the Constitution.

Achakzai announced that a major Pashtun Qaumi Jirga would be held in Quetta on August 29, 30, and 31 to discuss political, security, and administrative issues. He said another large jirga representing the entire Pashtun region would be convened in September or October to develop a joint strategy regarding peace, resources, land, and constitutional rights.

Expressing opposition to the proposed division of Pashtun districts in Balochistan, Achakzai said such decisions would not be accepted without considering public opinion, historical facts, and ground realities. He warned that efforts to divide Pashtun areas would face resistance.

Speaking about the law and order situation in Balochistan, the opposition leader said tensions between armed Baloch groups and the state had increased, leaving ordinary citizens feeling unsafe. He claimed that neither people’s lives, honor, nor property were secure in the province.

Achakzai criticized the government over recent security incidents, including attacks in Hanna Urak and Ziarat, saying that despite major tragedies, no responsible official had resigned, raising questions about governance.

He also expressed concern over incidents in Mangochar, where dozens of vehicles were reportedly set on fire, saying travelers on highways were living in fear. He alleged that transporters and drivers were being forced to pay millions of rupees in extortion while effective measures for public protection were lacking.

The PkMAP chief said the security situation from Bajaur to the wider Pashtun region remained alarming and urged the state to fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting citizens.

Regarding land allocation issues, Achakzai alleged that lands in Pashtun areas were being allotted to others and said such actions would not be accepted. He vowed to raise the matter through constitutional, legal, and democratic forums.

He also condemned violence and damage to property, saying all issues should be resolved through political dialogue, jirgas, and constitutional means rather than the use of force.

Discussing economic challenges, Achakzai criticized rising inflation and said air travel was becoming unaffordable for ordinary citizens, with some airlines charging fares of up to Rs. 100,000.

Referring to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said a political movement would be launched on August 5 to raise voices for the Constitution, democracy, and public rights.

Achakzai reiterated that the Pashtun community was united for the protection of its land, resources, and constitutional rights, emphasizing that lasting solutions could only come through dialogue, law, and public consensus.