ISLAMABAD: All sections in the National Assembly this evening [Dec 3] joined hands to deplore the use of violence in the country’s politics describing it as a trend fraught with grave dangers for the country’s future — and expressed profound grief on the murder of the Baluchistan Pashtoonkhawa’s leader Abdus Samad Khan Achakzai. The House also prayed for the departed soul. The matter was raised by the Information Minister, Maulana Kausar Niazi. … He said he was certain every member of the House had felt the pain of the brutal murder of Khan Achakzai and would join in the condemnation of the deplorable use of violence in politics. This trend … might darken the future of the country.

The Leader of the Opposition, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, immediately rose in his seat — associating his side of the House with the sentiments expressed by the Information Minister. He also suggested that “this trend of violence, which is creeping in our politics” should be condemned, and that this appeal should go to the community through representatives of the people. … Thereafter the House offered prayers — led by Maulana Mufti Mahmud, the JUI leader — for the departed soul.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2023