Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has challenged a treason case registered against him in the Balochistan High Court (BHC).
The veteran politician filed the petition against an FIR lodged on the complaint of a citizen named Waleed Khan. The complainant alleged that Achakzai delivered “seditious remarks” targeting state institutions during a recent public address. Challenging the legal grounds of the case, Achakzai appeared before the BHC to seek the quashing of the legal proceedings.
Following his court appearance, the PkMAP chief addressed the members of the BHC Bar, firmly defending his political stance. He asserted that TTAP is the country’s only political alliance formed through independent public initiative, free from the influence or backing of what he described as “powerful quarters”.
Achakzai stressed that the complex, long-standing crises facing Pakistan and Balochistan can only be salvaged through an unyielding commitment to truth, strict adherence to constitutional governance, and robust democratic frameworks. He added that the path to absolute political and national stability relies heavily on a truly independent, elected parliament.
Criticising the traditional governance model in the province, the opposition leader argued that relying solely on tribal elites and influential figures to steer the political process would not resolve Balochistan’s deep-rooted issues. Instead, he called for inclusive, broader public participation across all levels of society.
Underscoring the historical sanctity of the 1973 Constitution, Achakzai reminded the legal community of the sacrifices endured to forge the document.
He stated that maintaining the absolute supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring total judicial independence are the fundamental pillars required to resolve persisting national disputes.
While demanding free, fair, and transparent elections, the veteran leader pointed out that recurring electoral processes hold little value if they fail to genuinely reflect the democratic mandate of the masses.
He further criticised the growing dominance of financial power in the country’s political landscape, alleging that parliamentary seats are increasingly compromised by monetary influence, which ultimately strips ordinary citizens of authentic representation.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneSyed Ali ShahRead More
