Achakzai challenges FIR, terms country’s issues political

QUETTA: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai has petitioned the Balochistan High Court against the registration of a case against him in Cha­man over his recent contr­oversial speech, and term­­ed the issues facing the co­­untry ‘political in nature’. “The establishment of a true democratic society is essential for national progress,” said Achakzai, who is chairman of Pash­to­­onkhwa Milli Awami Party (Pk MAP), while speaking to the media and lawyers at the BHC on Wednesday. He said that interference in the electoral process had weakened democratic institutions in the country, while those advocating for constitutional supremacy and democra­tic principles were often subjected to criticism. Highlighting the need for a system based on genuine public representation, he said Pakistan required a truly elected parliament, where key national decisions, particularly related to internal and foreign policy, were made independently in the broader interest of the state and its people. “We will not overcome recurring crises un­­less we establish a transparent mechanism and en­­sure independent policy-making,” he remarked. The veteran politician said the country’s constitution was the result of a long political struggle and consensus, and insisted that stopping repeated interference in the electoral process that has weakened civil institutions was essential for democracy. About the FIR registe­red against him in Cha­m­­an, he said the FIR, lodged on the complaint of a person named Wali Achakzai at Chaman City Police Sta­tion over an allegedly controversial speech, was not in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements and should therefore be declared null and void. Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026