National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai has called for the establishment of a democratic ‘new Pakistan’ founded on the rule of law and free from cruelty. Addressing lawyers at the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) in Karachi on Monday, Achakzai outlined his vision ahead of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan’s (TTAP) planned nationwide strike and protests on February 8.
Call for Democracy and Rule of Law
During the seminar titled “Protecting the Basic Structure of the Constitution of Pakistan,” Achakzai emphasized the need for a Pakistan where power truly belongs to the people and the Constitution is upheld. He lamented that democracy has yet to flourish in the country and described Pakistan as “ailing like a cancer patient.” He urged compliance with the social contract and highlighted that injustice leads to social disharmony.
“We want the formation of a new Pakistan, where there is no cruelty,” Achakzai said, stressing that politics should remain respectful and that sacrifices made by smaller provinces in the freedom movement must be acknowledged.
Unity and Equality
Achakzai underscored that the country should not be governed by force, stating, “Countries are not run at gunpoint.” He called for equal treatment of all ethnic groups and languages and rejected the notion of civil war despite current difficulties caused by arbitrary governance. He also criticized the lack of accountability for funds received through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans.
Accountability and Safety Concerns
Referring to the recent fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall, Achakzai questioned the absence of emergency exits and demanded a thorough investigation with appropriate punishment for those responsible.
Election and Political Rights
He asserted that the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had won the 2024 general election and condemned any attempts to block his parliamentary entry as both constitutionally and religiously wrong. Achakzai encouraged people, especially the youth, to resist cruelty and assured that the upcoming TTAP protests on February 8 would remain peaceful.
Other Speakers Highlight Constitutional and Political Issues
TTAP Vice Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas described the current Constitution as “controversial” and criticized the government for losing public trust amid oppression. He alleged misuse of the system for unlawful acts and referenced Form 47 in relation to alleged election rigging, stating some had received a fake mandate.
Abbas also expressed concern over the weakening of the country’s three pillars—presumably the legislature, executive, and judiciary—and called the February 8 protest a pivotal moment to demonstrate the people’s power. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position as the “heart of Asia” and claimed global powers have historically sought to control the country.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser echoed concerns about governance, alleging government interference in lawyers’ organizations and a decline in public trust in the judiciary. He criticized the unfair distribution of resources and described the situations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as chaotic. Qaiser declared that the 1973 Constitution had been discarded and questioned the legitimacy of elections under current conditions.
He called for broad support for the February 8 protests aimed at restoring judicial independence and upholding constitutional supremacy.
Conclusion
Achakzai concluded by inviting the people of Sindh to join the movement to save the country through peaceful protest, emphasizing unity and democratic values as the foundation for a new Pakistan.
