QUETTA: Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai has said his party was ready to defend Pakistan, but they also want to be acknowledged as equal citizens by the state.

Addressing a seminar, Mr Achakzai said Pakhtun and Baloch do not seek disintegration or fragmentation of Pakistan because it’s their country. Instead, they aspire for the state to recognise the equal rights of all nationalities residing in the country, he added. “We are ready to fight at every front for the defence of Pakistan, but we don’t want to lead a life of slavery.”

“As Pakistanis, we are in need of equal rights and provision of essential resources. Recognising us as citizens and ensuring access to basic amenities for a decent life are reasonable and easily achievable demands,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2023