Islamabad (Press Release): Chairman of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan), Mehmood Khan Achakzai, inaugurated a pivotal two-day All Parties Conference in Islamabad with a passionate call for the supremacy of the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and media, and the restoration of what he termed as the people’s “stolen mandate.”
During his presidential address, Achakzai declared, “We are all gathered here for a great cause — the supremacy of the Constitution, freedom of the judiciary and media, and the restoration of the people’s stolen mandate.” He alleged a “brazen robbery” of the public mandate during the February 8 elections, stating that victory was sold to the highest bidder, resulting in “the auction of the entire state apparatus — consciences, government jobs, and public resources.”
Achakzai drew on Pakistan’s 78-year history, reminding attendees that the various nations within Pakistan have inhabited the land for millennia and joined together under a voluntary social contract — the Constitution — which he said has been rendered powerless by undemocratic forces. He criticized Pakistan’s post-independence governance, describing how elections for a new constituent assembly were neglected in favor of the 1935 Act, and how policies such as “parity” and “One Unit” ultimately led to national disintegration.
He emphasized that the Constitution has been disregarded by “powerful undemocratic forces,” highlighting the disqualification of PTI’s electoral symbol and the suppression of its supporters’ will. Despite adversity, Achakzai praised the public’s resolve in seeking out PTI candidates on election day. He decried the subsequent forceful theft of their mandate.
Addressing critical challenges facing Pakistan, Achakzai stated, “Forty-five percent of the country’s population is forced to live below the poverty line, institutions are paralyzed, corruption prevails, and nationalities are denied rights over their own resources.” He expressed sorrow that regions abundant in resources still lack basic necessities such as drinking water, and condemned ongoing military operations in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pashtun, and Baloch areas.
Achakzai also protested the lack of freedom of assembly in Islamabad, the imprisonment of PTI leaders and workers, and the daily disqualification of opposition representatives. He warned that shifting international influences pose serious risks for regional leadership.
He appealed to all democratic forces to unite in formulating a new consensus-driven charter and social contract for the restoration of constitutionalism and democracy in the country. He urged participants to greet the current Prime Minister, whom he accused of holding power through a “stolen mandate,” with black flags wherever he travels.
Concluding his address, Achakzai warned global powers against recognizing agreements made by the current government regarding resources or minerals, declaring such deals as lacking legitimate representation of the Pakistani people.
The conference saw broad participation from opposition parties, legal and media figures, and delegations from across society, signaling increasing momentum for constitutional restoration and democratic rights in Pakistan.
