QUETTA: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), expressed concerns that Imran Khan might face the same mistreatment as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Speaking at a public meeting in Qilla Saifullah, he stated that such tragic events should not happen again.
Achakzai highlighted that ongoing military interference in politics is leading to instability in Pakistan. He vowed to oppose any efforts to undermine the Constitution in the name of amendments.
Recalling the brutal crackdown on a PkMAP procession in Quetta in 1983, he shared how military authorities responded violently, resulting in casualties among party workers. Achakzai also pointed out that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is concerned for Khan’s safety, fearing he could be treated similarly to Bhutto.
He condemned the alleged state repression against PTI workers during their protests for Khan’s release and called for the immediate freedom of Khan and other political detainees, warning that failing to do so could lead to civil unrest.
Achakzai reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and criticized the government for banning the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, deeming it unconstitutional. He also condemned Israel for its actions against Palestinians and urged the global community to seek a resolution to the crisis based on a two-state solution.
Regarding the February 8 elections, he called them severely rigged, asserting that the resulting government lacks both constitutional and moral legitimacy.