Complainant alleges Achakzai made ‘seditious remarks’ targeting state institutions during recent public speech
A photo of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREENSHOT
QUETTA:
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly and president 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 a petition against an FIR lodged following the complaint of a citizen named Waleed Khan. The complainant alleged that Achakzai made “seditious remarks” targeting state institutions during a recent public speech. Disputing the legal basis of the case, Achakzai appeared before the BHC seeking a quashing of the legal proceedings.
After his appearance in court, the PkMAP leader addressed members of the BHC bar, strongly defending his political position. He said TTAP is the country’s only political alliance formed by an independent public initiative, free from the influence or support of what he described as “powerful circles.”
Achakzai emphasized that the complex and long-standing crises facing Pakistan and Balochistan can only be resolved through an unwavering commitment to the truth, strict adherence to constitutional governance and strong democratic frameworks. He added that the path to absolute political and national stability largely depends on a truly independent elected parliament.
Criticizing the province’s traditional governance model, the opposition leader argued that relying solely on tribal elites and influential figures to lead the political process would not solve Balochistan’s deep-rooted problems. Instead, he called for inclusive and broader public participation at all levels of society.
Highlighting the historical sanctity of the 1973 Constitution, Achakzai reminded the legal community of the sacrifices endured to falsify this document.
He said upholding the absolute supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring full judicial independence are the fundamental pillars needed to resolve lingering national disputes.
While demanding free, fair and transparent elections, the veteran leader stressed that recurring electoral processes have little value if they do not truly reflect the democratic mandate of the masses.
He further criticized the growing dominance of financial power in the country’s political landscape, alleging that parliamentary seats are increasingly compromised by monetary influence, which ultimately deprives ordinary citizens of authentic representation.
