Achakzai, Fazl discuss rising inflation, KP law and order situation

ISLAMABAD: In a bold show of opposition unity, the opposition leader in National Assembly, Mehmood Khan, stormed the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Wednesday, signalling the start of a coordinated challenge to the government over the country’s spiralling political and economic turmoil.

Achakzai, who is also chairman of Tehreek-e-Tahffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition of opposition parties, sat down with the JUI-F heavyweight to chart a joint strategy aimed at tackling soaring inflation, rising petroleum prices, and deteriorating law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking to reporters, Achakzai left no room for ambiguity: “Until parliament becomes the real seat of power, until provinces control their own resources, the poor will continue to suffer, and instability will fester.”

He highlighted a grim daily toll of 80 to 90 civilian and security casualties, lamenting that the human cost of insecurity is largely ignored, in stark contrast to global reactions to even a single casualty abroad.

The opposition appears ready to lock horns with the government over the upcoming budget, asserting that inflation, lawlessness, and terrorism cannot be tackled without a strengthened parliament.

Achakzai warned of grave consequences if Balochistan’s constitutional rights, enshrined in the 18th Amendment, were undermined: “Ignoring these consensual decisions by political parties will be extremely dangerous for Pakistan.”

In an unmistakable call to arms, Achakzai urged all political factions to unite under a common banner, restore parliamentary supremacy, and uphold the Constitution.

Failure to act, he warned, could trigger a national disaster of historic proportions.

The meeting marks a significant escalation in opposition activism, setting the stage for what could become a decisive confrontation between the government and an emboldened coalition of dissenting forces.

Achakzai also sounded a stark warning that Pakistan’s current policies risk fuelling separatist sentiments beyond Balochistan, potentially spreading to Pashtun-majority regions.

He accused the federal government of creating a perilous political climate by uniting seven parties “on the basis of power and money,” branding them as enemies of democracy.

“The country is heading towards dangerous times,” he said. “Your policies have already sparked separatist slogans in Balochistan. God forbid, the same could emerge in Pashtun areas if nothing changes.”

Achakzai called on political heavyweights, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to unite in defence of the constitution, warning that ignoring these calls could push Pakistan into a crisis.

He also criticised the country’s prisons, claiming they hold more inmates than Israel’s, and condemned constitutional amendments such as the 26th and 27th, saying their supporters had committed “injustice.”

“The constitution is what holds Pakistan together. If it fails, God forbid, the country faces grave danger,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026