SWAT: The chairman of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan, MNA Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has shown concerns over prevailing political situation of and constitutional crisis and criticised state policies.

Addressing a jirga in Kabal here on Sunday, he emphasised the necessity of upholding the Constitution as the foundation of Pakistan’s survival, progress and prosperity.

Mr Achakzai said that prevailing political situation and state policies undermined the rights and dignity of Pakhtuns. “The survival of Pakistan depends solely on the supremacy of the Constitution, and there can be no compromise on this principle,” he added.

He also advocated for rights of Pakhtuns, drawing an analogy with US President Donald Trump’s slogan “America First.” “If America can claim ‘America First,’ then we too have the right to say ‘Pakhtuns First,” he asserted, saying it was in accordance with both international law and Islamic principles.

PkMAP chief announces to launch nationwide movement after Eid

Mr Achakzai said that Pakhtuns did not want to divide Pakistan but they would not accept any form of subjugation and would continue to strive for equality, opportunities and development as guaranteed by the Constitution.

He highlighted the deep-rooted connection Pakhtuns had with their land, saying they inhabited it for more than 5,000 years. He warned the ruling elite and powerful institutions that bowing to forces other than Allah contradicted the core values of Islam, unity and faith.

Mr Achakzai highlighted the existential threats facing the Pashtun nation, stating that without peace, justice, political autonomy and the rule of law, development remained unattainable.

He also talked about global and local political dynamics that according to him unjustly impacted Pakhtuns. Drawing comparisons with Palestinians and Kurds, he said Pakhtuns suffered from historical injustice owing to colonial division and subsequent policies of the Pakistani state.

He reminded the audience that regions such as Swat were once known for their Buddhist heritage and are internationally recognized for religious and cultural tourism, a sector now severely affected by the deteriorating law and order situation.

Mr Achakzai also expressed his discontent with the government’s dealing with international financial institutions, particularly International Monetary Fund (IMF). He criticised the practice of taking loans without accountability, noting that in return for those loans, local resources were being handed over to global investors through Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

He also vehemently criticised what he called the controversial general elections of February 2024, alleging widespread rigging and manipulation. He accused the authorities of ensuring election of favoured candidates through bribes, with up to Rs700 million exchanged in the process.

“In this country, anyone who refuses to be bought and who speaks in favour of constitutional and parliamentary supremacy is labelled a traitor or enemy of the state,” he said.

Mr Achakzai announced that after Eidul Azha, his party would launch a nationwide movement under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan to restore the Constitution and democracy. The movement is meant to challenge the status quo and ensure that Pakhtuns’ legitimate political, economic and cultural rights are safeguarded.

The jirga, which saw representatives from various political parties, civil society organisations, intellectuals, lawyers, teachers and local elders in attendance, ended with a unanimous resolution calling for the supremacy of the Constitution, an end to state oppression and a collective struggle for rights of Pakhtuns.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2025