QUETTA: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chairman of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and head of the opposition alliance Teh­reek-i-Tahafuz-i-Aaeen-i- Pakis­tan, has demanded safety and protection to PTI leader Imran Khan as any harm to the former prime minister might plunge the country into chaos and uncertainty.

Speaking at a public meeting held on Monday on the 51st death anniversary of Shaheed Khan Abdul Samad Khan, Mr Achakzai paid tribute to the late leader and said that he sacrificed his life to uphold his principled political stance. He said the late leader never backed down from his ideology or the rights of Pashtuns.

Discussing the imprisonment of PTI founder Khan and action taken against his party, the PkMAP leader said popular political ideologies and leaders cannot be eliminated.

“Today, Imran Khan is Pakistan’s most popular political leader, and his party secured a clear majority in the February elections, but unfortunately, his party’s mandate was stolen and several of our own winning seats were taken in this electoral plunder,” Mr Achakzai said.

Warns any harm to PTI founder may plunge country into chaos

He said that imprisoning the former prime minister and his party leaders and workers, “shooting” at his party’s peaceful rally and their “killing” is not the solution.

He demanded that the PTI founder should be released immediately and his stolen mandate should be returned to him.

Mr Achakzai also spoke about the international community’s role in the region and said instead of creating conflicting blocs for political and economic monopolies, it should work for mutual cooperation for the wellbeing of humanity.

Regarding Afghanistan, Mr Achakzai warned that instability in Afghanistan would bring no benefit to Pakistan, adding that Islamabad must participate in every necessary action to ensure Kabul’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and peace.

Expressing concern about law and order situation in Pashtun and Baloch regions, Mr Achakzai said that resources of Pashtuns and Baloch people should be practically recognised as their right, and they should be given political, economic autonomy and identity based on equality.

Referring to political unrest in Pishin, the PkMAP leader said that 125,000 acres of land has been allotted to a resident of Sahiwal in Pishin district which is causing political unrest and a sense of deprivation across the entire Pashtun belt.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024