ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged the government to reconsider and withdraw its recent measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that there is still time to reverse the decisions and avoid further political confrontation.
Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Achakzai criticised restrictions on meetings with prisoners, describing the denial of such meetings as a serious and unacceptable act. He appealed to the authorities to stop harassing people and adopt a more responsible approach, warning that the current course could lead to further damage.
“Even now, there is still time to withdraw the measures taken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Achakzai said, urging the government to reconsider its actions. He stressed that preventing people from meeting prisoners was wrong and called on those in authority to show restraint.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also spoke during the session, recounting the events surrounding an earlier attempt to reach an agreement between the government and the opposition.
Ayaz Sadiq said government representatives had been present in his chamber while members of the opposition delegation were sitting in a committee room. According to the speaker, both sides had initially appeared pleased with the progress, believing that an agreement had been reached.
However, he said, the situation changed suddenly when Allama Raja Nasir Abbas arrived and expressed regret, informing the participants that an agreement could not be reached.
The speaker maintained that the government remained willing to resume negotiations and find a way forward through dialogue. He said those familiar with the developments knew who had undermined the negotiations, adding that it would be better for all sides to exercise restraint in their public statements on the matter.
Ayaz Sadiq’s remarks highlighted the continuing political differences between the government and the opposition, as calls for dialogue and a review of the government’s actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued in parliament.
