ZAIRAT- UNS: Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, head of the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan, and Member of the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, addressed a massive public gathering on the 4th day of Eid at the football ground in Ziarat. He stated that, We are not enemies of anyone and do not believe in the politics of hatred. Rather, we stand for humanity, equality, and the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law.
The veteran politician said, “The powerful forces have their eyes on our resources, but we will never give up our constitutional, legal, and historical rights. In the battle between the oppressor and the oppressed, we will always stand with the oppressed. We want to build and improve Pakistan, but on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”
Achakzai emphasized that in a multi-ethnic and plural state like Pakistan, dreaming of democracy and development without constitutional supremacy and rule of law is sheer fantasy. He said the Pashtun nation has withstood every adversity in history and found unity through traditional public councils (Jirgas). “We laid the foundation of this unity from Bannu, and the process will continue.”
Regarding Afghanistan, he said the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party supports the independence and sovereignty of Afghanistan and views China’s diplomatic efforts in this regard with appreciation.
On the Baloch people, he stated that if the Baloch consider us brothers on the basis of equality, then we stand with them in every difficulty. And if compelled by circumstances, we reserve the right to announce our own province.
Expressing serious concern over constitutional violations, he said that PTI should suspend parliamentary proceedings until Imran Khan and other political prisoners are released. He proposed that after Eid, countrywide protests should be held every Friday after prayers in front of mosques in support of constitutional supremacy, democracy, parliamentary sovereignty, and the release of political prisoners including I mean Khan.
Criticizing the ruling elite, he said, “They build assets with looted wealth and then label them ‘This is by the grace of my Lord.’ The ban on border trade is akin to snatching food from our children’s mouths. In these areas, there are no other means of income or livelihood except trade.
Regarding Afghan refugees, he strongly condemned the forced deportation of those with legal documents or born in Pakistan, and demanded that those born here or married to Pakistani citizens should be granted citizenship.
He questioned how much of Pakistan’s foreign loans were actually spent in Pashtun regions. “If we are given the details and accounts, we are ready to repay double the amount,” he said.
Achakzai added, “Our land is rich in resources, yet Pashtuns are forced to work as laborers across the country and abroad just to earn a living. Currently, an illegitimate and unrepresentative government is imposed on the country—established through coercion, fraud, and money.”
He further said, “The party that won the elections has had its leaders imprisoned, while those who blatantly rigged the elections go on pilgrimages to Hajj and Umrah. One wonders how they face themselves there. According to a recent World Bank report, about 45% of Pakistan’s population has fallen below the poverty line. The public is starving, yet the fake rulers make empty claims of progress and economic growth.”
The gathering was also addressed by the party’s Central General Secretary Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Central Secretary Information Talimand Khan, Central Secretary Jabbar Khan Utmankhel, Abdul Haq Abdal, Provincial President Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan, Sardar Amjad Khan Tareen, Sardar Shafiq Tareen, Sardar Idrees Badini, Haji Dara Khan Jogezai, Sardar Miroes Khan, elected Chairman of Harnai District Abdul Salam, and Noor Muhammad.
