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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Achakzai announces drive for democratic revival
In a historic public Jirga held in Kabal, Swat, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Member of the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, announced a nationwide movement to be launched after Eid-ul-Azha, aimed at restoring constitutional order and democratic integrity under the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan. He delivered a forceful and impassioned speech addressing Pakistan's political turmoil, constitutional challenges, and the plight of the Pashtun people. Speaking before a large crowd under the banner of TTAP Achakzai, who also is its president, emphasized that Pakistan's survival depends on the supremacy of its Constitution. "There can be no compromise on constitutional rule," he declared. He underscored the Pashtun people's right to control their resources, drawing a comparison with global nationalist sentiments. "If Trump can say 'America First,' we too can say 'Pashtun First,'" he stated, clarifying that the demand is rooted in both international law and Islamic principles. Achakzai rejected any form of subjugation, asserting, "We are not asking for separation, but we will not accept slavery." He decried the portrayal of Pashtuns as extremists, pointing to the community's suffering from both global conflicts and flawed state policies. He likened their struggle to that of Palestinians and Kurds, criticizing historical and ongoing divisions imposed by colonial and state authorities. The veteran politician condemned the state's economic policies, particularly the handing over of local resources to foreign investors under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and slammed the February 2024 elections as "blatantly rigged," alleging large-scale vote manipulation.
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Achakzai rejects 'unjust' water distribution formula
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai has categorically rejected the federal government's proposed formula for water distribution among the provinces as "unjust and unacceptable." Addressing a grand jirga organised by PkMAP in Swabi district on Saturday, Achakzai, who is also the head of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Aaeen-e-Pakistan, stressed that Pakistan can only function effectively if all four federating units are granted their due share of resources. "This country wasn't handed to us as charity - our elders made great sacrifices for it," he said. "Each province must receive what it rightfully deserves." Achakzai criticised the current water-sharing model, which allocates 50 per cent to Punjab, 38 per cent to Sindh, eight per cent to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and three per cent to Balochistan. He entirely rejected this formula and called for a new, equitable system. The PkMAP chairman also urged Pakistan and India to demonstrate maturity and restraint in their bilateral relations, warning that a nuclear conflict is not child's play. "Neither the people of the two nations nor the modern world can afford such a war," he added. The veteran nationalist politician condemned the exploitation of natural resources by powerful nations and corporations, calling for an end to external control over local wealth. "We demand that our resources be returned to us. Powerful and wealthy countries must stop occupying the natural and mineral wealth of weaker nations," he said. Achakzai slammed the narrative labeling Pashtuns as terrorists, saying that Pashtuns are, in fact, a peace-loving people. "Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is rich in blessings, many of which are even mentioned in the Holy Quran," he added. The PkMAP chief questioned the legitimacy of using national resources to pay back IMF loans. "Let the government show us how much the IMF has actually loaned and how much has been invested in K-P, Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan," he demanded. Achakzai also rejected the outcome of the February 8 general elections as a "national tragedy" in which voters were denied their rights through coercion. "The biggest act of terrorism in Pakistan occurred during these elections when people were forced at gunpoint to surrender their vote," he claimed.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Achakzai criticises election 'fraud'
A public meeting organized by the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) in Pishin saw a large turnout, where Mahmood Khan Achakzai addressed a massive crowd. Achakzai strongly criticized the February 8 elections, alleging that while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed victory, the results were manipulated through the use of force and state machinery. He accused the ruling authorities of betraying the people's mandate and described those supporting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as oppressors. Emphasizing his party's stance, Achakzai declared that PkMAP stands with the oppressed and is dedicated to protecting constitutional rights. He affirmed that Pakistan belongs to all ethnic groupsPunjabis, Sindhis, Saraikis, Baloch, and Pashtunsand rejected any form of subjugation. He condemned the interference of institutions in politics, calling it harmful to democracy, and demanded that military officials, bureaucrats, and politicians uphold the constitution. Achakzai stressed that Pakistan's survival hinges on parliamentary supremacy. The event was attended by key political figures, including PTI's central secretary general Salman Akram Raja and Pashtun National Jirga convener Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Opposition confab calls for fresh, fair polls
Despite frequent venue cancellations, opposition parties managed to convene and conclude its two-day multi-party conference on Thursday, calling for the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, fresh "fair" elections, release of political prisoners and an end to what it calls a government crackdown on dissent. The hurdles to hold the opposition parties' conference faced its first challenge even before the conference could kick off as the organisers had alleged that the local administration of the twin cities didn't allow them to hold the conference until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was over. The obstacles continued till the end of the conference but the blockage couldn't silence the opposition. On Thursday, the opposition allianceTehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) — proceeded with its grand conference, some opposition members scaled the gates while others forced their way into a local hotel after authorities blocked the event. Despite being denied venues in the twin cities due to the security arrangements for cricket tournament earlier, the TTAP had vowed to hold the conference, come what may. It finally did and held the event in hotel's reception area. Earlier, convener of the newly-registered political party, Awam Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Sahibzada Hamid Raza of Sunni Ittehad Council, and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, Salman Akram Raja, the secretary general of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, among others were stopped from entering the venue. Nevertheless, they managed to enter and held the event. The opposition's two-day gathering, aimed at addressing alleged constitutional breaches, human rights violations and political instability, was marred by accusations that the government pressured the venue administration to revoke permission for its final session. The government side reportedly denied the accusations. The conference culminated with a declaration outlining a series of demands, including the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law as the sole solution to Pakistan's crises. The TTAP leaders blamed the February 8 general elections, which they claim were rigged, for the prevailing political, economic and social turmoil. They further declared the current parliament to be lacking moral, political and legal legitimacy. The other demands included reversal of the amendments allegedly deemed contrary to the Constitution, immediate release of all political prisoners and abolition of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendments which, the opposition leaders argued, are being used to stifle dissent. The declaration also stressed the urgent need to address grievances related to the distribution of water resources among the federating units under the 1991 Water Accord, warning that a failure to do so could exacerbate instability. The opposition leaders underscored that Pakistan's recovery hinges on free, transparent and fair elections. They also called for a unified national strategy to stabilise the country and committed to an ongoing struggle until their demands are met. The opposition vowed to continue its collective political efforts, asserting that only adherence to constitutional principles can steer Pakistan out of its current crisis. In their speeches, the opposition leaders lashed out at the government and its policies, saying the ruling alliance allegedly lacked public mandate and that is why the country was not progressing. NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub said that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi should give "duffer award" to the person who suggested to them that the opposition should be denied conference. Ayub said that the country can't progress by publishing ads in newspapers. He said that the opposition had gathered for the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in the country. Awam Pakistan's Secretary General Miftah Ismail said that it's not politics where only one's family members become premier or hold key positions, saying the government didn't abide by the law and the Constitution and the assembly is flooded with people elected via Form 47. Ismail, who had served as finance minister during the PML-N government, said that instability will prevail as long as political standoff continues. He questioned the the authorities' move of blocking 100 or more people to discuss key issues in a closed-door room, saying then they ask why people protest. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that different parties kept coming to power with the help of powerful quarters, saying many mistakes were made in the past but let's not fall into the past now and move ahead to address the challenges. Raja said that sanctity of homes was violated, saying this wasn't politics but a matter of decency. On February 8, he reiterated that the rights of the people were robbed, warning that the government cannot run like this. He urged people to come out, saying if we raise our voices together, there will be no obstacle. He guaranteed that jailed PTI founder Imran Khan will not strike any to come out, saying if he wanted to go abroad then he could have availed the opportunity long ago. Achakzai said that the prime minister and the interior minister should be booked in connection with November 26 incidents, adding that the security forces should be working in a framework which is being followed all over the world. He urged the political parties to vow that they would stop seeking powerful stakeholders' help for creating space. Achakzai said that the opposition will make their own assembly whose speaker will be PTI leader Asad Qaiser, saying if the incumbent assembly terminates their membership then they would challenge such decisions before the courts. He said that there will be no talks with the government, saying talks will only be held with the establishment and that too for giving them a safe passage to stop interfering in politics. He said that the only way to save the country was to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said that PTI has been facing what the opposition leadership faced while entering the hotel on Thursday. He demanded snap polls, saying the tenure of a government is five years but fresh elections can be held keeping in view the prevailing situation of the country. He urged that it was time to stand on the right side of the history. Gohar said that Imran Khan believes in public power and that is why he was in jail. He recalled that PTI was not allowed to hold conventions during the general elections. Currently, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that there was no such thing as a constitution in the country, saying the contract of citizens with the state has been terminated and freedom of expression has been abolished after the PECA amendments. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch said that we must decide that the Constitution must be upheld with all force, adding that we must struggle for the independence of the courts and the democratic force must refuse to become a tool of the establishment. JUI-F's senator Kamran Murtaza said that the government contributed in making the conference successful by blocking access and denying venues. Reportedly, he clarified that the JUI-F was not a signatory of the opposition parties' declaration as the party only attended the conference as an observer.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
An amplified opposition
Listen to article The opposition's umbrella alliance finally was able to flex its muscles, despite extreme coercion tactics by the government, as it galvanised the momentum for putting the country back on constitutional rule. It severely castigated the post-February 8 dispensation for usurping fundamental rights and cracking down on dissent. The two-day conference of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin Pakistan (TTAP) (Movement for Protection of Constitution) in Islamabad came as a morale booster for PTI which had been struggling to reclaim its electoral mandate and get its incarcerated leadership, including former PM Imran Khan, freed. The opposition was able to bring together the who's who on a warpath with the order of the day, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Sunni Ittehad Council, BNP and MWM. It also made strides as it saw stalwarts like Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Miftah Ismail, as well as JUI-F's Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and Senator Kamran Murtaza in its midst. That led to an amplified and vociferous stance wherein the leaders from across the spectrum were seen restless with the system in vogue. They called for respect for the verdict of the masses, reminding the government that it had gone over the brink in suppressing constitutional supremacy by indulging in gross human rights violations. That memorandum from the opposition coincides with lobbying that is underway in the United States for a democratic reset in Pakistan. A letter from two Congressmen, Joe Wilson and August Pfluger, to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage with Pakistan to ensure Imran Khan's release is a case in point. This pestering uncertainty does not bode well for Pakistan, especially as its economy is in the woods, and it is getting bad press abroad. All that the country is in need of is political stability and upholding of people's inviolable rights of political association and freedom of speech. It is all the more important as a Washington-based body, Freedom House, has once again downgraded Pakistan's standing in terms of political rights and civil liberties, ranking it among 'partly free' states.
