Shahid Khaqan advocates for people's rights

AP leader expresses concern over constitutional amendments

PESHAWAR:

Awaam Pakistan (AP) party leader and former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday strongly criticised the government, stating that governance is not merely about holding power but about ensuring the rights of the people, especially the Pashtun youth, who were "being denied their right to speak".

He stressed that the Constitution is the binding agreement between the people. The former premier made these remarks while addressing an event held to welcome new members joining the AP party.

He stated that "Article 63-A had once again opened the avenues to horse-trading", adding that "now constitutional amendments will easily be passed after buying people".

Regarding the constitutional amendments, the AP leader questioned how could they made overnight in a country of 260 million people.

He expressed his gratitude to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for preventing the passage of such amendments.

He also expressed concern over the "use of force against PTM". "First, they were fired upon during their jirga, force was used against them, and only later they were given permission [to hold their gathering]. What is happening [in this country]?"

The AP leader emphasised that Pakistan did not belong to a particular party, institution, or class, rather it belonged to everyone, and that it could not function without the Constitution.

He also highlighted the dire state of education, stating that over 26 million children were out of school, which was a looming crisis for Pakistan.