By Riaz Narejo
DADU: Leader of the Opposition at National Assembly Mahmood Khan achakzai addressed a large public rally in the town of Sann and demanded the restoration of constitutional rule, free and fair elections and limits on the political role of the military, warning that Pakistan was sliding towards autocracy.
The gathering was organised by the Sindh United Party to mark the 122nd birth anniversary of veteran Sindhi nationalist leader Sain GM Syed. The event was attended by leaders from across the political spectrum, with National Assembly opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the chief guest.
Addressing the rally, Achakzai said Pakistan had failed to become either a truly democratic or constitutional state, adding that people who had struggled for the country’s creation were imprisoned soon after independence. He said Sindh was not given in charity and that its people had the first right over its land and resources — a principle he said applied equally to Baloch, Pashtuns, Punjabis and Saraikis.
He stressed that while the armed forces had an important role, they must remain within the constitutional framework. “Snatching the vote of 250 million people at gunpoint is the biggest form of terrorism,” he said, calling for genuine elections, parliamentary control over foreign policy and civilian supremacy. He said Pakistan could only progress if the constitution was respected, announcing resistance against what he described as growing autocracy.
