In a powerful call for political reconciliation, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has expressed his readiness to engage in dialogue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the formation of a unity government.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the seasoned politician emphasised that Pakistan’s worsening constitutional crisis and political turmoil demand unity, not division.
“This is not the time for trading insults but a time to save the country,” Achakzai said, highlighting the urgent need for political forces to come together for Pakistan's stability.
Achakzai’s proposal comes on the heels of a major Supreme Court ruling that deprived Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its reserved seats for women and minorities in both national and provincial assemblies. With a narrow 7-5 majority, the top court reallocated nearly 80 reserved seats among other parliamentary parties, a move that has sparked intense debate in Pakistan’s political circles.
Speaking candidly, the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and judiciary, alleging that the 2024 general elections were “manipulated” against PTI and its iconic bat symbol was “unjustly” taken away.
Despite his political differences with Imran Khan, Achakzai defended PTI’s right to fair treatment, calling the recent actions against PTI leaders and their families "unjust." He condemned the arrest of elected representatives within parliament premises and denounced the constitutional crisis and political turmoil gripping the country.
He also voiced his concern over political parties "begging for reserved seats" instead of strengthening democratic values. “This kind of politics only weakens democracy and hurts the people’s trust,” he said.
On the international front, Achakzai condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, urging the global community to declare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a terrorist for the ongoing massacre of Palestinians.
Achakzai’s remarks have added a new dimension to Pakistan’s already complex political landscape, where calls for a unity government are growing louder amid deepening divisions and governance challenges.
