Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the Chairman of the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party(PMAP) addressed the open session of the Quetta Conference. Speaking at the session, he raised concern about the necessity of justice for the formation of a democratic Pakistan. He emphasized that fulfilling the demands of justice is crucial. This includes, granting the Pashtuns their own national province, political representation through their means, and elevating the Pashto language to the status of a national language according to the spirit of the constitution.
Achakzai said that, the country could be governed in accordance with the true spirit of the constitution by implementing it practically. The authorities of all institutions have been determined in the country’s constitution, and every institution must work within the defined authorities of the national constitution. Emphasising the supremacy of the constitution, he highlighted that parliament is the source of power and the establishment of a real democratic federation should be based on equality among nations. He stressed for recognising the authority of elected representatives on the basis of people’s voice while respecting the freedom of expression in politics. Moreover, he stressed on the need for fair and transparent elections to ensure the representation of the people by successful candidates.
Through this elected parliament, the formation of national and provincial policies should be determined. He called for an immediate conference consisting of all stakeholders from various sectors to rescue the country from crises effectively.
Underscoring the significance of the conference, he said that it is essential in saving the country from the severe crises in its history and alleviate the people from the worst inflation and unemployment conditions. Additionally, maintaining the country’s freedom and sovereignty is impossible without the people, and subjecting the people to unnecessary hardships will weaken the nation and worsen the country’s situation. So, he urged the people to respect the constitution and refrain from violating it.
Remembering Khan Abdul Samad Khan
He said that Khan Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai initiated political struggle in 1929, and it has been 94 years today. At that time, the circumstances were such that no one could engage in politics, but Khan Abdul Samad Khan laid the foundation of a political movement with his natural intuition. Khan Abdul Samad Khan started the struggle with a few companions, and now our people are becoming part of this movement, so our workers must be extremely cautious to elevate their morals, conduct, and speech.
Achakzai advised in becoming individuals in society whom the people could trust with closed eyes, especially becoming companions of the oppressed in the struggle between oppressors and the oppressed.
Regarding the organisation of the party, he opined that workers must disseminate Khan Abdul Samad Khan’s theories, vision, and party program to the people. They must become aware of the issues of the people, and involve the people’s opinions at every stage. Only then could they save the nation from current issues and difficulties, national governance, and slavery.
He said that becoming part of any negative campaign on social media is synonymous with wasting precious time. In practical terms, they must fulfill the political program of Khan Abdul Samad Khan and complete the national aspirations of the Pashtun nation.
Call for Pashtoon Homeland
Achakzai also stressed on the need to accelerate the ongoing national, political, and democratic struggle, as the nation has entrusted us with heavy responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of organizing and strengthening the organization to overcome obstacles in achieving the Pashtun national objectives, based on principles of loyalty and devotion.
Achakzai expressed the desire for the establishment of a national province encompassing the Pashtun homeland (Pashtunistan, Afghanistan, Pashtunkhwa). He mentioned the aspiration for a Chief Minister, Governor, and political representation through their own means, as well as the elevation of their mother tongue to the status of an academic, commercial, and judicial language. Uniting the divided Pashtunkhwa was emphasized as part of their collective responsibilities.
He pointed out that Pashtuns still reside in the land historically known as Chief Commissionerate, British Afghanistan, which is now British Balochistan. He highlighted the significance of being aware of the lands and means pertaining to the tribes of the Pashtun nation.