Achakzai calls for democratic solution to Pakhtun grievances

Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai has called for democratic solutions to address Pakhtun grievances during the opening of a three-day public jirga in Quetta. The political leader emphasized the need for the state to listen to Pakhtuns and address their rights through democratic and constitutional means, rather than resorting to force or coercion.

Addressing concerns over security, Achakzai warned against using the province as a battleground for foreign interests. He stressed the importance of protecting local land and resources, and called for constitutional safeguards to prevent land transfers without consent. Achakzai also expressed concern over the allocation of land to non-local entities, and urged for transparency and community consent.

He urged Pakhtuns to examine their own shortcomings and work towards better governance. Achakzai highlighted the province's natural resources and strategic importance, but emphasized that these should bring prosperity, not hardship. He expressed concern over Balochistan's security situation, including recent incidents of violence, and affirmed Pakhtuns' respect for all communities.

Regarding relations with Baloch and Hazara communities, Achakzai stressed shared values of equality, justice, and partnership. On Afghanistan, he argued that the country's security challenges should not be attributed solely to Afghanistan, acknowledging historical context of conflict and external interventions.