ISLAMABAD: An opposition alliance on Friday assailed the government of the day over the current state of governance in Pakistan, accusing the ruling authorities of undermining democracy, the Constitution, and the rights of the people.
“There is a ban on writing the truth and there is a ban on speaking the truth, even in the assembly,” said Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of a multi-party opposition alliance, at a press conference after a meeting with representatives of the Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) and PTI.
The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief was flanked by MWM leader Allama Nasir Abbas.
Saying that the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices was only creating resentment among the citizens, Mr Achakzai contended that the state has effectively silenced critical voices, leading to a political climate where open dialogue has become increasingly rare.
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At a time when Pakistan faces political and constitutional crises, as well as the threat of terrorism and domestic unrest, Mr Achakzai criticised the ruling coalition for undermining the Constitution and stoking internal divisions, calling instead for a national dialogue to steer the country out of the current situation.
The PkMAP leader also expressed concern over the alarming rise in violence across the country, with 20 to 30 people being killed on a daily basis due to ongoing unrest.
He stressed the importance of national unity in the face of growing instability, and called for convening a multi-party conference, which would include not only political leaders but also military officials and journalists.
“It is our duty to sit down and prevent this region from becoming a battlefield,” Mr Achakzai stated, alluding to the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He also urged the government to focus on peace-building efforts, rather than escalating hostilities with neighbours.
“Instead of making Afghanistan a place of conflict, we should strive to turn it into a cradle of peace,” he added, highlighting Pakistan’s strong ties with China, which shares good relations with Afghanistan and could play a pivotal role in fostering regional stability.
He claimed that the security apparatus becomes active wherever there are minerals and accused the government of exploiting these resources without benefiting local populations.
MWM’s Allama Nasir Abbas echoed the contention that the incumbent government had lost the trust of the people.
