Achakzai at a crossroads: The bridge that wasn't built

PTI leaders question whether opposition leader can deliver on dialogue mandate

ISLAMABAD:

Five months after Mahmood Khan Achakzai was brought in as the opposition leader amid hopes that he could steer the PTI from confrontation towards dialogue, Tuesday's events in the National Assembly suggested he was once again treading the familiar path of political deadlock.

During his speech in the National Assembly, Achakzai described the government as "illegal", accused it of undermining democratic institutions, and questioned restrictions on the opposition's political activities, asking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif what "crime" the opposition had committed to be denied the right to hold protests and public rallies. Shehbaz rejected the allegations and defended the legitimacy of his government.

The exchange escalated when the Speaker intervened and warned Achakzai against criticising national institutions on the floor of the House. The opposition later condemned the Speaker's remarks, describing them as an attempt to curb parliamentary dissent.

The frustration within the PTI is no longer confined behind closed doors. Ali Muhammad Khan, speaking on the record, said the prime minister had invited Achakzai twice for dialogue and that Achakzai now needed to make a bold decision and fulfil the very purpose for which he had been appointed.

The pressure is no longer merely rhetorical. In recent weeks, senior PTI leader Shahid Khattak allegedly warned that the party could strip both Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas of their positions and powers if they failed to produce results.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid put it plainly: Mehmood Khan Achakzai is a sensible and democratically minded leader who understands how to resolve complex political issues.

However, he argued that the real problem lies not with Achakzai himself but with those who appointed him as opposition leader, as they are not giving him the authority he was expected to have.

As a result, both Achakzai and the broader opposition, as well as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, are facing internal difficulties.