Achakzai announces countrywide rallies to support PM Nawaz

Achakzai says Imran wants to attain constitutional status through unconstitutional means

QUETTA: Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai has said his party will launch countrywide processions to defend the democratic system, while expressing solidarity with the government.

The government-allied leader made the announcement during a crowded news conference at the Quetta Press Club on Sunday. He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri for trying to derail democracy.

“My party will start protest demonstrations and political gatherings to mobilise people in Balochistan. Majority of the people are against the ongoing sit-in launched by PTI and PAT in Islamabad,” he said.

Achakzai said the processions would be peaceful and within the constitutional framework.

He suggested a political front comprising Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PkMAP, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Nationalist Party (NP) and other political parties be formed to show that the people of Pakistan are backing the democratic process.

“There is a need to answer the people who have been protesting in Islamabad. They are a minority, and the way they are protesting is not justified and unconstitutional,” he said.

The PkMAP took out a procession in Quetta on Saturday and Achakzai said they will hold more political gatherings in coming days.

“I would support Imran Khan if his demands were justified and constitutional. But they are not,” he said.

Achakzai said the country's economy is hurting due to the ongoing sit-in in Islamabad. “The protest is negatively impacting the economy, while the stock exchange is gradually collapsing. Many heads of friendly countries have suspended their visits to Pakistan.

"Imran and Qadri are making a mockery of this country,” he said, adding, that Imran wants to attain constitutional status through an unconstitutional manner.

In response to a question, Achakzai said he is supporting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif because he wants to strengthen democratic set up. “Democracy is the only solution to all issues in Pakistan. We will not let anyone insult the Constitution,” Achakzai said.

Responding to another question regarding IDPs in North Waziristan, Achakzai said it is sad that their houses were destroyed. “I have never seen or witnessed, in any part of the world, people being asked to evacuate areas because some thieves had taken shelter there. The devastation of houses is the worst thing to happen in Pashtun culture,” he said.