QUETTA: Pashtunkhawa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday called for nationwide protests to demand the release of political prisoners, including former prime minister Imran Khan, while sharply criticising the government as illegitimate.

Addressing a public meeting in Ziarat, Mr Achakzai proposed that countrywide protests should be held every Friday following prayers to support constitutional supremacy and democracy.

He urged Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to suspend parliamentary proceedings until Khan and other political prisoners are freed.

“Currently, an illegitimate and unrepresentative government is imposed on the country — established through coercion, fraud, and money,” he said.

Emphasising a politics of non-hatred, Mr Achakzai outlined his party’s platform, which is centred on equality and the rule of law.

“The powerful forces have their eyes on our resources, but we will never give up our constitutional, legal, and historical rights,” he said. “In the battle between the oppressor and the oppressed, we will always stand with the oppressed.”

Mr Achakzai said that building a better Pakistan is possible, but only “on the basis of equality and mutual respect”. He warned that “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.”

On regional issues, he said the PkMAP supports the independence of Afghanistan and views China’s diplomatic efforts positively.

Regarding the Baloch people, he offered solidarity on the basis of equality. “And if compelled by circumstances, we reserve the right to announce our own province,” he added.

The chairman condemned the economic policies affecting his region, calling the ban on border trade “akin to snatching food from our children’s mouths.”

He also criticised the forced deportation of Afghan refugees who have legal documents or were born in Pakistan, demanding they be granted citizenship.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2025