Achakzai warns of proxy war fallout
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, the veteran politician and head of the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan urged the nation to avoid becoming entangled in external conflicts, stating, "Proxy wars are returning to our region - and we must wake up before it's too late."
Achakzai lamented Pakistan's long-standing constitutional challenges, recalling how there were initially deliberate delays in drafting a constitution. Once established, he said, the constitution was systematically undermined. He painted a grim picture of the country's present state, describing it as mired in a deep political, constitutional, and economic crisis.
The remarks came following a two-day meeting of the PkMAP's Central Executive and Working Committees. Achakzai accused the current government of lacking legitimacy, stating that the public mandate had been stolen and that the Constitution was being openly violated. "If this government remains in power, it will inflict irreparable damage on the country," he warned.
Citing a recent World Bank report, Achakzai noted that more than 45 percent of Pakistan's population now lives below the poverty line. He criticized the disproportionate allocation of the national budget towards debt servicing and defense, at the expense of public welfare. The PkMAP chief further denounced the judiciary, media, and ruling elites for failing to safeguard democratic principles, and proposed the seizure of illegal assets from public officials to help offset national debt.
Achakzai reiterated his demand for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other political detainees.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
MPAs close ranks to champion minorities
The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minorities Day, with both treasury and opposition leaders affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection to minorities in Sindh and across Pakistan. The move, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that every citizen is assured freedom of religion and security of life and property. The session, held in the old Assembly building under the chair of Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Earlier, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had successfully sought suspension of other proceedings to allow debate on the motion. Speaking in favour, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the Assembly's historic role in passing the 1943 resolution in favour of Pakistan and hosting Quaid-e-Azam's 1947 address. He said observing Minorities Day before Independence Day underscored the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens. He noted Sindh's leading role in joining Pakistan, adding that its representatives would continue contributing to the country's unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam's commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited contributions by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also hoisted the national flag in the Assembly Hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect its spirit. He cautioned against sectarian and ethnic bias, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public safety issues. Interior Minister Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP-level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG's office. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said protection of non-Muslims dated back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Rashidun Caliphate. He emphasised that Islam prohibits harm to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect. Deputy Speaker Anthony noted that former president Asif Ali Zardari had initiated National Minorities Day in 2009, recalling Quaid-e-Azam's 11 August 1947 speech in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white stripe. He proposed that the constitutional term 'minority' be removed to reflect equality. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the PPP's record in granting minorities more than five per cent of government jobs. Speaker Shah announced that a symbolic session will be held on August 14, inviting special children as guests. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan, PTI's Shabbir Qureshi, and MQM's Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed also backed the resolution. MQM members called for constitutional removal of the term 'minority' and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike in India. The House unanimously approved the resolution before adjourning the session.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Sindh Assembly unites for minorities' rights ahead of Independence Day
Listen to article The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minorities Day, with both treasury and opposition leaders affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection to minorities in Sindh and across Pakistan. The move, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that every citizen is assured freedom of religion and security of life and property. The session, held in the old Assembly building under the chair of Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Earlier, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had successfully sought suspension of other proceedings to allow debate on the motion. Speaking in favour, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the Assembly's historic role in passing the 1943 resolution in favour of Pakistan and hosting Quaid-e-Azam's 1947 address. He said observing Minorities Day before Independence Day underscored the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens. He noted Sindh's leading role in joining Pakistan, adding that its representatives would continue contributing to the country's unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam's commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited contributions by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also hoisted the national flag in the Assembly Hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect its spirit. He cautioned against sectarian and ethnic bias, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public safety issues. Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP-level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG's office. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said protection of non-Muslims dated back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Rashidun Caliphate. He emphasised that Islam prohibits harm to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect. Deputy Speaker Anthony noted that former president Asif Ali Zardari had initiated National Minorities Day in 2009, recalling Quaid-e-Azam's 11 August 1947 speech in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white stripe. He proposed that the constitutional term 'minority' be removed to reflect equality. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the PPP's record in granting minorities more than five per cent of government jobs. Speaker Shah announced that a symbolic session will be held on August 14, inviting special children as guests. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan, PTI's Shabbir Qureshi, and MQM's Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed also backed the resolution. MQM members called for constitutional removal of the term 'minority' and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike in India. The House unanimously approved the resolution before adjourning the session.
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pledge to strive for equal rights of minorities
In separate messages on the National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday renewed their pledge to strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the country. They said Pakistan considers the unforgettable services rendered by minorities in every walk of life as its national asset. The National Minorities Day is being observed today with the aim to highlight minorities' religious and socio-economic rights in Pakistan. The declaration to mark National Minorities Day was adopted as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to help and secure those belonging to religious, linguistic, national or ethnic minority groups. The day marks Quaid-e-Azam's historic speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, in which he pledged equal rights and freedom of religion for all citizens. 'Ethics should be taught to everyone, not just to minority students,' says Sindh MPA In his message, President Zardari reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding and advancing the rights of minorities, the President House said. 'This day reflects Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's vision of a Pakistan where every citizen lives in equality, harmony, and mutual respect. 'It is also an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of our minority communities to nation-building. They have served the country with dedication in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education and healthcare,' he said. The president said minorities' patriotism and service remain a source of pride for the entire nation. 'The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or colour. It safeguards the legitimate interests of minorities, ensuring their political, economic, religious,social, and cultural rights,' he said. Zardari said Pakistan has taken a number of measures for the welfare and empowerment of minorities. These include the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities, allocation of Minorities Welfare Fund, restoration and preservation of places of worship and provision of scholarships and financial assistance to minority students, he maintained. 'In 2009, during my first tenure as president of Pakistan, the government declared August 11 as Minorities Day to reaffirm our national commitment to equality, inclusion, and the recognition of minority rights. We continue to promote interfaith dialogue and ensure meaningful participation of minorities in every sphere of national life,' he said. PM Shehbaz, in his message, said the entire nation is marking the Minorities Day to appreciate their key role in the country's development and progress and for protection of minorities' rights, the PM Office said. 'The historic speech of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on August 11, 1947, is an ideological guarantee for the secure future of minorities in Pakistan,' he said. The premier said many Pakistani sons belonging to the minority communities have bravely sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. 'We pay a heartfelt tribute to them,' he added. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani extended heartfelt congratulations to all religious and linguistic minorities across the country on the occasion of International Minorities Day and expressed his best wishes for their prosperity and progress. He stated that the Constitution and laws of Pakistan provide equal rights to all citizens without discrimination, and effective legislation has been enacted at the national level to protect, promote, and implement the rights of minorities. 'The role of minorities in the country's development, stability, and harmony is highly important and commendable,' the Senate chairman stressed. He said that minorities have consistently rendered significant services in various fields of life, and particularly at the parliamentary level, women belonging to minority communities have been given full representation, reflecting democratic values and an inclusive style of governance.
