Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has reiterated his party resolve to continue his ‘party’s struggle’ for the rights of Pakhtuns.
“All human beings are equal. Like the rights of Punjabis, Balochs, and Sindhis in Pakistan, Pashtuns are too entitled to their rights,” Achakzai said while addressing the participants of a ceremony on the 51st death anniversary of Khan Abdul Samad Khan.
He criticised, what he called, the deprivation of the Pakhtuns from political power, despite their significant sacrifices for the country’s independence.
Achakzai stated, “The way elections were held in Pakistan is before the world. People voted for Imran Khan; he should be released.
“Those who lost the elections were handed power, and those who won were thrown out of the corridors of power.”
The PkMap leader called for strengthening democratic institutions and empowering citizens.
“A democratic Pakistan will endure forever. Pashtuns are the most democratic people in this region. The country’s security institutions must serve the nation, not be controlled by individuals.”
Achakzai criticised the exploitation of natural resources in Balochistan. “In resource-rich lands, Pakhtuns are being deprived as their lands are allotted to others. We will not allow this to continue. Pakistan must give its people control over their resources.”
He talked about regional geopolitics, saying: “Afghanistan was destroyed in the conflict between Russia and America. Both nations must respect each other’s sovereignty to ensure peace in the region,” he said.
The PkMap leader also expressed disappointment at the lack of accountability for violence against ordinary citizens.
“Poor people are being killed in their homeland, and no one is ready to take responsibility. If the state cannot protect us, we must be allowed to protect ourselves,” he declared.
Achakzai recalled the past mistakes saying: “The country has broken due to mistakes. We must not make more mistakes. Further experiments can be harmful.”