Chief of the Movement for Protection of the Constitution Mahmood Khan Achakzai said on Tuesday that the opinion of 250 million people was changed on February 8, adding that those who won were defeated and those who lost were declared winners. He said if anyone wants to hold talks from February 8 onwards, “we are ready.”
Achakzai stated that they are not against anyone and want a strong army, saying that just as the armies of other countries work, Pakistan’s army should also function in the same manner. He said the protection of political parties lies in holding talks according to the constitution, stressing that parliament should be supreme.
He warned that the region is moving towards becoming a battlefield and recalled that a few days ago the head of a country was taken away from his bedroom along with his wife. He said talks should be held on dissolving parliament, forming an interim government, appointing an election commissioner and holding elections.
Announcing a protest on February 8, he said workers would raise their voices in their respective areas across Pakistan and that traders, workers, and trade unions would be involved. He said their demand is the reconstruction of democratic Pakistan.
Referring to meetings at Adiala Jail, he said it should not be a big deal if jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters come to meet him, adding that despite court orders, water cannons are being used against Khan’s sisters. He said the Pakistan Awami Movement (PAM) has come to express solidarity with Khan’s sisters, noting that even the worst criminals in the world are given the facility of meetings and that the PTI founder’s family has the right to meet. He added that a chief minister wants to meet his leader to take instructions.
Achakzai said Pakistan must proceed cautiously with its neighbors and questioned why the country is being pushed into conflicts. He said if agencies interfere in politics, he and his allies will speak out. Appealing to the public, he urged people to leave their homes on February 8. He recalled that on November 26 people were shot at.
He said the founder of PTI is a popular leader and questioned why he was made prime minister if he was considered bad. He said PDM was formed and an NRO was given to it. He added that if the mistake lies with the founder of PTI, they should be allowed to meet him, and if the mistake lies elsewhere, there should be regret over those actions. He called for dialogue to correct past mistakes.
Referring to a statement by the DG ISPR, he said the military should not be dragged into politics and that if there is no interference, the real power of the people should decide. He warned that capitalists and youth are fleeing the country and said there is a need for repentance.
Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, while speaking to the media, said they want restoration of the unified constitution of Pakistan and that everyone should return to their constitutional boundaries. He said Pakistan is not moving forward, law and order problems are increasing, and inflation is rising. He claimed the current rulers were not elected by the people and questioned whether talking about the people’s right to rule amounts to blackmailing.
He said the IMF has stated that corruption worth Rs 5,300 billion has taken place. He added that the world situation is changing and Pakistan must put its house in order, warning that public hatred is increasing with time. He said there are no conditions from their side, only demands for restoration of the constitution, rule of law, and transparent elections, adding that institutions in Pakistan are losing their credibility.
