• Urges UN to convene conference with Pakistan and Afghanistan
• KP chief minister alleges PTI mandate ‘stolen’ in Balochistan

QUETTA: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has suggested that in view of the regional situation arising from the Iran-Unites States-Israel conflict, all political parties in Pakistan should sit together to form a national government for one or two years to address the worsening situation.

He also urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations to convene a conference of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and neighbouring countries to ensure mutual non-interference and guarantees that they will not interfere in each other’s affairs.

Speaking at a public meeting in Pishin town, he said the country was facing a crises-like situation, which was worsening due to ongoing regional conflicts. He claimed the United States and Israel had attacked Iran without justification, and that, except for Afghanistan, no Islamic country had supported Iran.

The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Khan Afridi, PTI MNA Adil Bazai, and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Achakzai suggested that after the formation of a national government, an independent and sovereign election commission should be established to conduct free and fair elections under international guarantees. He emphasised that true democracy, constitutional supremacy, and parliamentary sovereignty are essential to resolving the country’s crises.

He criticised the current governance system, claiming that the February 8, 2024, elections were flawed and aimed at keeping Imran Khan out of power. He added that even the Supreme Court had deprived his party of its electoral symbol.

Mr Achakzai, who is chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and head of the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pak­istan, reiterated his support for Imran Khan and called for his release. He stated that his party stands with him and his family.

He also stressed that while they are not against the military or intelligence agencies, all institutions must operate within their constitutional limits.

He urged political and religious parties, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Jamaat-i-Islami to unite and assert civilian supremacy.

He further demanded the reversal of constitutional amendments, including the 26th and 27th Amendments, and called for recognition of the rights of local populations over their natural resources.

Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi also addressed the gathering, alleging that the mandate of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was “stolen” in Balochistan, calling it a violation of democratic values.

He said that those who claim to be champions of democracy have now been exposed in Balochistan, as was previously witnessed in Sindh.

He strongly condemned the treatment of party workers, alleging that the sanctity of homes was violated and arrests were made without justification, terming such actions regrettable and condemnable.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026