Mahmood Khan Achakzai Warns Pakistan is Heading Towards Civil War, Calls for Immediate Constitutional Reforms

Islamabad, February 15, 2025* – In a statement outside the Parliament House, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of the Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution, Member of National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, warned that Pakistan is heading towards civil war. He emphasized the need for politicians, judges, generals, journalists, intellectuals, traders, and economic experts to work together to transform Pakistan into a democratic federation where the supremacy of the constitution, rule of the people, and the parliament’s authority are ensured.

Achakzai expressed deep concern over the recent tragic bomb blast in Shahrag, Hernai, where more than a dozen workers lost their lives, and 30 individuals die daily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He criticized the parliamentary leadership for failing to address such critical issues and hold discussions on violence and killings occurring across the country. He also expressed frustration over the lack of participation from government ministers in parliamentary proceedings, stating that their absence showed a reluctance to listen to the opposition.

He also addressed the role of Pakistan’s judiciary and military, mentioning that it was unprecedented for an IMF representative to visit any country’s court, yet in Pakistan, the Supreme Court had to intervene. Furthermore, he highlighted the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan, where he was not given the courtesy of addressing Parliament, unlike what would have been expected in a democratic system.

Achakzai expressed admiration for Erdogan’s political resilience, citing how Erdogan faced the powerful Turkish military and emerged victorious, ultimately safeguarding Turkey’s constitution and democracy. He argued that such actions should be admired and not seen as an act of betrayal. He drew parallels with the current situation in Pakistan, urging the public and political figures to unite to protect the constitution and democracy.

He further announced his resignation from all parliamentary committees led by the current government, calling for the establishment of a new, legitimate parliament. Achakzai proposed that former Speaker Asad Qaiser could lead this new assembly, asserting that the current parliament, formed through force and manipulation, does not represent the people of Pakistan.

Achakzai also addressed the issue of individual rights, stating that the constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, speech, and association. He criticized the imprisonment of thousands of Pakistani citizens, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, for exercising their fundamental constitutional rights. According to Achakzai, the current assembly is illegitimate, and the true representatives of the people will be those leading the movement initiated by Imran Khan.

Finally, Achakzai called on his supporters and all political figures to resign from government committees, emphasizing the need for the establishment of a true, constitutional assembly that represents the genuine will of the people. He reiterated that every institution, including the judiciary and military, should operate within the framework of the constitution to serve the people, and those who undermine this system must be held accountable.