Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomes Achakzai, calls him a reliable partner and supports dialogue on key political issues
A photo of TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREEN GRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Mahmood Khan Achakzai offered unconditional support to the government for initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy, parliament and the constitution in his maiden speech in the role on Monday, while also calling for a visit to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to be allowed.
The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader was formally appointed as the NA opposition leader last week, filling a post that had been vacant since August 7. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq summoned PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Opposition Chief Whip Aamir Dogar to his officials chamber to issue it.
In his speech, Achakzai emphasized that Parliament should serve as the true center of power. “The focus must be on the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution with internal, external and economic policies formulated within the parliamentary framework,” he said.
He also called for an immediate start of dialogue between the government and the opposition parties, urging the authorities to facilitate meetings with Imran, adding that he and the opposition were ready to take the responsibility of initiating talks with the PTI and other opposition parties.
Achakzai emphasized the importance of ethical governance, citing that Islamic principles forbade supporting wrongdoing. “We aim to make this assembly a source of power. We must uphold honorable conduct and protect the sanctity of our homes and families,” he added.
He urged that constructive initiatives in the assembly, including policies on domestic, foreign and economic affairs, be given full support. “Our voices are available for positive legislation. We should not engage in discussions or actions we cannot justify to our families,” he said.
Highlighting his independent political record, Achakzai said he had supported the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in difficult times but had never compromised his principles for personal gain. “I have always stood by the principles I believe in and have never violated my oath,” he noted.
Achakzai also offered full support from opposition voices in the assembly, provided an enabling environment for dialogue was created. He stressed the need to reduce political tensions, release political prisoners and encourage parties like the PPP to re-engage in parliamentary politics under the principles of democracy and respect for the sanctity of the ballot.
On security and regional stability, Achakzai noted that Pakistan faced significant challenges.
“Our military and police are strong and no one can abduct citizens with impunity. We must trust our people,” he said. He warned that the region was under threat from outside powers seeking to turn it into a battleground, adding that previous counter-terrorism operations had displaced thousands.
Reiterating his commitment to non-violence, Achakzai said: “I am in favor of a peaceful solution and will continue to do so. In the past, Fata has contributed significantly to national security and local populations must retain primary authority in their regions.”
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed Achakzai’s appointment and described him as a reliable partner in challenging times.
“We appreciate the points raised by Achakzai regarding dialogue,” he said, adding that the government remained ready to discuss political issues, including issues in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PPP Chief Whip Ijaz Jakhrani also praised Achakzai’s speech and highlighted the historically strong democratic and political relationship between the opposition leader and the party. Jakhrani called for negotiations between political parties to resolve pressing issues within the parliamentary framework.
