• Calls for empowering parliament to address national issues effectively
• Advocates reopening border trade routes to create job opportunities for locals
QUETTA: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai expressed concern on Thursday over the country’s deteriorating political and security situation, stating that Pakistan’s crises were more internal than external.
Addressing a news conference at the Quetta Press Club, Mr Achakzai, who is also chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), urged all state institutions to operate strictly within their constitutional limits and ensure the supremacy of the Constitution.
He said parliament must be empowered to resolve national issues effectively, adding that border closures should be reconsidered and trade routes reopened to provide employment opportunities for local communities. “Problems cannot be resolved through the use of force; dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.
Mr Achakzai reiterated that Pakistan is a multi-ethnic country and must be governed through democratic principles in which power rests with the people. He said restricting political leaders or suppressing dialogue would further aggravate tensions.
He also stressed that the Baloch and Pakhtun communities, if united on the basis of equality, could transform the face of Balochistan.
The opposition leader contended that all ethnic groups must be granted full control over their resources to remove mistrust and ensure rights-based governance. “Every person wants ownership of their land and resources,” he added.
He questioned the creation of new districts and divisions without public consent, saying such measures deepen divisions. He stressed that injustice increases resentment, whereas equality among communities can transform Balochistan into a model of peace and development.
On border trade, he criticised restrictions at the Chaman crossing and questioned incidents involving the burning of vehicles, saying it was the responsibility of the government and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent such acts. “If the state cannot function, then who will protect the oppressed?” he remarked.
He added that if the authorities fail to maintain order despite spending billions of rupees, local communities should be empowered with greater resources and authority. He claimed that crime and violence are pushing the region towards instability and warned of worsening consequences if the situation persists.
Referring to governance challenges, he said IMF funds and national resources should be accounted for transparently and questioned development disparities among different regions. He also criticised administrative inefficiency, alleging that citizens’ complaints are often ignored by officials.
He urged all stakeholders — including political forces, state institutions, and communities — to work jointly towards peace, equality, and stability in Balochistan and across the country.
Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026
