Achakzai says Pakistan’s crises stem more from internal issues than external threats

QUETTA: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Thursday voiced concern over the country’s worsening political and security environment, saying Pakistan’s difficulties were rooted more in internal problems than in external threats.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Achakzai, who also heads the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, called on all state institutions to remain within their constitutional domain and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution. He said parliament should be given the authority needed to address national issues effectively.

He also called for a review of border closures and urged the reopening of trade routes, saying this would create livelihoods for people living in border areas. Referring to the broader political situation, he said coercive measures could not solve problems and argued that dialogue was the only viable path.

Achakzai said Pakistan was a multi-ethnic country and should be run on democratic principles in which authority rests with the people. He warned that limiting political leaders or discouraging dialogue would intensify tensions rather than ease them.

Attributing particular importance to Balochistan, he said the Baloch and Pakhtun communities could change the province’s future if they acted together on the basis of equality. He maintained that all ethnic groups should have full control over their resources in order to reduce mistrust and ensure governance based on rights.

Speaking on resource ownership, Achakzai said people sought control over their land and natural wealth. He also questioned the formation of new districts and divisions without public approval, saying such steps widened divisions. According to him, injustice fuels resentment, while equality among communities could help turn Balochistan into an example of peace and development.

On border trade, he criticised restrictions at the Chaman crossing and raised questions over incidents in which vehicles were set on fire, saying it was for the government and law enforcement agencies to investigate such occurrences and prevent them.

Achakzai also said that if the state was unable to function despite spending billions of rupees, local communities should be given more authority and resources. He warned that crime and violence were driving the region towards instability and said the consequences would worsen if the situation continued.

Turning to governance issues, he said there should be transparent accounting of IMF funds and national resources, while also questioning unequal development among different regions. He further criticised what he described as administrative inefficiency, alleging that complaints from citizens often went unaddressed by officials.

He urged political forces, state institutions and communities to work together for peace, equality and stability in Balochistan and the rest of the country.

"Problems cannot be resolved through the use of force; dialogue is the only way forward; every person wants ownership of their land and resources," Achakzai said.

"If the state cannot function, then who will protect the oppressed?" he added, questioning the state’s role in protecting vulnerable people.