Achakzai for constitutional supremacy, Pashtun rights, national sovereignty

SÖWAT -UNS : Chairman of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan, Member of National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai addressed a grand public jirga in Hazara, Kabal, Swat. In his powerful speech, he strongly criticized the country’s prevailing political conditions, constitutional crisis, the plight of the Pashtun nation, and state policies. He unequivocally stated that the survival, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan lie solely in upholding the Constitution, and there can be no compromise on this principle.

Achakzai asserted that, like every nation in the world, the Pashtun nation also has the full right over its own resources. “If former U.S. President Donald Trump can say ‘America First,’ then we too have the right to say ‘Pashtun First,’” he said. This demand, he emphasized, aligns not only with international law but also with Islamic principles. He clarified that while they do not seek to break Pakistan, they will not accept slavery in any form. Equality, equal opportunities, and development are their constitutional and human rights.
He said that this land was not granted to them in charity — the Pashtun nation has inhabited it for the last five thousand years. Warning the ruling elite and powerful institutions, he stated that bowing before any force other than Allah is against the fundamental tenets of Islam, unity, and faith. He declared that the Pashtun nation faces existential threats, and without peace, justice, political autonomy, and rule of law, development is impossible.
Achakzai stressed, “We are human beings first, so humanity must be our first priority.” He condemned all forms of discrimination based on religion, color, race, ethnicity, or sect. He highlighted the tragedy that the Pashtun nation has become a victim of global political and economic wars as well as the state’s so-called defensive and strategic policies. Today, Pashtuns are portrayed as extremists and terrorists, even though they are among the worst affected by these crises.
Drawing parallels with the Palestinians and Kurds, he pointed out that during colonial rule, the British divided the Pashtun nation geographically and administratively as revenge for uprisings — and Pakistan not only retained this division but extended it further. Achakzai reminded the audience that from Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi to Swat, the region was once a cradle and sacred center of Buddhist civilization, and Swat is still internationally recognized for religious and traditional tourism. However, due to deteriorating law and order — a consequence of flawed state policies — tourism has been severely impacted, depriving the region and local population of a key source of income and development.
He criticized the ruling elite for taking loans from the IMF and other international financial institutions without informing the public where and how those funds were spent. Now, in return for those loans, local resources are being handed over to global investors through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
He strongly condemned the February 2024 general elections, alleging that they were blatantly rigged under a well-devised plan. He claimed that the names of favored candidates were simply marked with ticks and approved, with up to 700 million rupees exchanged in the process. “In this country,” he said, “anyone who refuses to be bought, who speaks of constitutional and parliamentary supremacy, is branded a traitor or enemy of the state.”
Achakzai announced that after Eid-ul-Adha, a nationwide public movement would be launched under the flag of Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan, with the goal of restoring the Constitution, democracy, and popular sovereignty.
The jirga was attended by representatives of various political parties, civil society organizations, intellectuals, lawyers, teachers, and local elders, who shared their thoughts and concerns. The event concluded with a unanimous declaration emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution, the end of state oppression, and a collective struggle for the legitimate political, economic, and cultural rights of the Pashtun people.