Latest news with #PashtunkhwaMilliAwamiParty
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
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Opp denied venue for multi-party confab
The opposition's much-anticipated All Parties Conference (APC), set for February 26 and 27, hit a snag even before it could begin, as organisers alleged that the local administration of the twin cities threw a spanner in the works by refusing to allow the event until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was over. However, the opposition parties remain undeterred, vowing to go full steam ahead with the confer-ence, which will focus on upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. They said that the event will proceed as planned on Wednesday and Thursday, with a new venue to be announced soon. In a hurriedly-called press conference on Tuesday night, the convenor of the newly registered political party Awam Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, revealed that the officials of all the places booked earlier for holding the events have excused one after the other. The party head said that they were pressurised by the local administrations to cancel the events. However, the opposition parties have now decided that the conference will still be held and the final venue will soon be communicated. Abbasi was accompanied by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chair-man of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Sahibzada Hamid Raza of Sunni Ittehad Council, and Sal-man Akram Raja, the secretary general of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, among others. The opposition sees the ongoing political and constitutional crises as a serious threat to democracy. It aims to formulate a joint strategy to address these challenges, saying the government and local administrations shouldn't be afraid of a closed-door meeting discussing the ongoing political, economic, and constitutional challenges. During the press conference, Achakzai went on to say that the opposition would not allow the Parliament to smoothly function if the opposition's move was thwarted. Raza also minced no words in saying that the conference would be held at all costs. Earlier, the opposition released the agenda of the national conference on the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, saying they aimed to bring together politicians, legal experts, civil society representatives and media, to discuss the core issues and devise the future course of action. The agenda stated that the efforts to establish a prosperous and democratic state were repeatedly weakened by non-democratic forces' frequent interference, adding that it was further compounded by conspiracies, weak political system, corruption and confrontation within the institutions. The national conference, hosted by Abbasi and Achakzai, was initially scheduled to take place at The Atrium, E-11, Islamabad, from 10 am to 6 pm. However, due to a last-minute withdrawal by the Atrium's management, the event will now be held at a different venue. Through the agenda, the opposition parties have conveyed that political stability is essential for economic progress and that any deviation from constitutional principles weakens democracy. They maintained that the APC will serve as a platform to build consensus on measures needed to protect the system from unconstitutional actions. The agenda states that Pakistan's Constitution defines the framework of a sovereign and independent state. Since 1947, it says, the Constitution has outlined a complete state system but challenges in up-holding these principles have persisted. Emphasising that Pakistan was passing through a critical juncture, it said the country continues to face constitutional crises, political instability and economic challenges even after the general elections of February 2024, alleging that public mandate was violated and democratic norms were undermined. "The elections not only put a question mark on the political process but on the democratic future of Pakistan," it read. In such circumstances, it says, maintaining constitutional supremacy and the rule of law is essential, adding that the need for national dialogue and narrative becomes even more critical to collectively steer the country toward stability and progress. Against this backdrop, it continues, the conference is being organised to mull the country's direction and provide practical solutions for moving forward from hereon. The opposition says that the participants will also discuss ways to safeguard fundamental rights, promote transparency in governance and uphold freedom of speech and the press. They say the discussion will also highlight the need for a transparent and accountable government that can restore public trust in institutions. The agenda urges the general public to come forward, play their role and put the country back on a democratic path. Over the past few weeks, the opposition has intensified consultations with different parties and leaders to find viable solutions to the country's current crises and start a movement against the PML-N government. Opposition leaders maintain that they will not allow democratic values to be undermined under any circumstances. As political tensions escalate, the opposition's APC poses a fresh challenge to the government, further intensifying the already volatile political landscape. During the PTI government, the then-opposition parties had also come together to put pressure on the then-government. Later on, the opposition parties had successfully executed a no-confidence motion against the then-premier Imran Khan, which had paved the way for the PML-N-led coalition government.
