ISLAMABAD: An opposition alliance on Friday attacked the ruling government over the current state of governance in Pakistan, accusing the ruling authorities of undermining democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the people.
“It is forbidden to write the truth and it is forbidden to tell the truth, even in the assembly,” Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of a multi-party opposition alliance, said at a press conference after a meeting with representatives of the Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM). ) and the PTI.
The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief was flanked by MWM leader Allama Nasir Abbas.
Achakzai claimed that the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices was only creating resentment among citizens and maintained that the state has effectively silenced critical voices, leading to a political climate in which open dialogue has become increasingly queer.
Achakzai accuses PM of reaching out to army after Nawaz ‘backed off’; Irfan Siddiqui briefs Fazl on talks with PTI
At a time when Pakistan faces political and constitutional crises, as well as the threat of terrorism and internal unrest, Achakzai criticized the ruling coalition for undermining the Constitution and stoking internal divisions, calling instead for a national dialogue to get the country out of the crisis. current situation.
The PkMAP leader also expressed concern over the alarming rise in violence across the country, with between 20 and 30 people killed daily due to the ongoing unrest.
He stressed the importance of national unity in the face of growing instability and called for convening a multiparty conference, which would include not only political leaders but also military officers and journalists.
“It is our duty to sit down and prevent this region from becoming a battlefield,” Achakzai said, alluding to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He also urged the government to focus on peacebuilding efforts, rather than escalating hostilities with neighbors.
“Instead of making Afghanistan a place of conflict, we should strive to make it a cradle of peace,” he added, highlighting Pakistan’s strong ties with China, which shares good relations with Afghanistan and could play a key role in fostering regional stability.
He stated that the security apparatus is activated where there are minerals and accused the government of exploiting these resources without benefiting the local populations.
MWM’s Allama Nasir Abbas echoed the claim that the incumbent government had lost the trust of the people.
“Before, our enemy was India, but now a new enemy has been created: Afghanistan, our Islamic neighbor brother. “This was an unnecessary enmity stoked by the government,” he added.
Abbas also criticized the ruling elite for its lack of engagement with the public, pointing out how key leaders such as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Ishaq Dar had not visited conflict zones, such as Kurram district.
‘Betrayal’ to older brother
Turning his attention to the current political leadership, Achakzai criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his role in what he called a “fake government.”
He accused Prime Minister Shehbaz of working in tandem with the establishment to undermine democratic processes.
“Shehbaz Sharif was ready to become prime minister under Musharraf, and now that Nawaz Sharif has backed out, Shehbaz has joined the establishment,” the PkMAP leader said.
The allegation drew a harsh rebuke from the PML-N, with Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb saying “such baseless comments” were not befitting a politician of Achakzai’s stature.
He said that the PkMAP chief himself witnessed the fact that Shehbaz Sharif had systematically refused to betray his elder brother. History attests to the fact that Prime Minister Shehbaz thrice rejected the offer of the prime ministership, preferring loyalty to his brother over personal ambition.
Siddiqui meets Fazl
On the other hand, PML-N senator Irfan Siddiqui, who is also the spokesperson of the government team holding talks with the PTI, on Friday asked JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the status of the ongoing negotiations.
During their meeting, Senator Siddiqui lauded Mr Rehman’s efforts in resolving the Madresah registration issue amicably.
The JUI-F chief said negotiations between political parties were an important part of the democratic process.
“All important problems can only be resolved by sitting together and talking to each other, and refusing to negotiate, which amounts to undemocratic behavior,” Rehman said.
Published in Amanecer, January 4, 2025.
