The Chairman of Pashtunkhua Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Mehmood Khan Achakzai, has expressed a strong commitment to defending Pakistan while emphasizing the importance of being recognized as equal citizens in the country.
He conveyed these sentiments during a seminar held at the Quetta Press Club on Sunday. Achakzai made it clear that their aim is not to disrupt the unity of Pakistan but to ensure that they are not subjected to a life of servitude.
He stated that they are ready to fight on all fronts to defend Pakistan, but in return, they seek equal citizenship rights and access to resources, considering them essential for a decent life. He underscored that this demand is entirely reasonable and should be met.
Achakzai stressed the link between injustice and conflict, emphasizing the need for justice to play a central role in resolving issues. He highlighted the importance of the elected parliament as the seat of power and stated that granting people access to resources and basic necessities is vital for effective problem-solving.
Regarding regional disparities, Achakzai pointed out that while gas pipelines have extended from Sui to the mountains of Punjab and Islamabad, the people of Dera Bugti remain deprived of this resource. He asserted that they do not seek charity but believe that the indigenous population should have the first claim on these resources.
Furthermore, Achakzai called for unity among the Baloch people and highlighted the importance of recognizing each other’s equality to address their common challenges. He emphasized that they have the resources necessary for their well-being but are currently denied their basic needs.
He also reassured that no one should infringe upon the right of governance for the people of Balochistan in their own homeland. Other prominent figures, including Abdul Rauf Mengal of the BNP, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal of the PkMAP, and senior journalist Shahzada Zulfiqar, addressed the seminar.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2023.
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