Latest news with #PkMAP
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.
United News of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Pashtoon party in Balochistan protests forced deportation of Afghan refugees
World Quetta, Apr 27 (UNI) Supporters of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), in Pakistan's Balochistan province, carried out a rally against Islamabad's forced deportation of Afghan nationals, and asked the Pakistan government to stop its mistreatment of Afghan refugees. The participants of the rally, led by PkMAP Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and Hamid Achakzai, gathered in Quetta Metropolitan Corporation compound before the rally. They chanted slogans against the deportation of Afghan refugees, reports Dawn. The demonstrators marched through Balochistan's capital city carrying party flags, placards and banners inscribed with their demands. The rally after reaching Manan Chowk converted into a public meeting which was addressed by Ziaratwal, Abdul Hamid Khan Achakzai, Abdul Haq Abdal, and others. In the rally, the protestors said that many of the Afghan refugees being deported have been living in Pakistan for decades – many living there since birth- and have homes, friends, family, and businesses in the country, so they should be granted citizenship, instead of being forcefully deported and sent to Afghanistan with no resources. The speakers said that the West granted citizenship to those people who spend five years while the Pakistan government was deporting people even after 40 long years. They condemned the horrible treatment being meted out to Afghan refugees while repatriating them to Afghanistan, and demanded that Afghan 'Kadwal' should not be repatriated, and should instead be recognised as Pakistani citizens.
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.
