Achakzai warns Sindh could face governor’s rule next

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai has warned that Sindh could be the next province to face governor’s rule, alleging that provincial rights and resources are being undermined.

Addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, Achakzai urged the federal government to reverse its decision to impose governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and ensure that Parliament remains the centre of political power.

His remarks came as the National Assembly passed a resolution endorsing governor’s rule in KP. The federal government has defended the move by accusing the provincial administration of deliberately disengaging from efforts to combat terrorism.

Achakzai criticised the decision, arguing that the people of KP were being punished for exercising their democratic rights. He also compared the current political situation with the events surrounding the creation of Bangladesh, warning against policies that could deepen divisions between the state and its citizens.

Referring to the 2024 general elections, he said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been deprived of its election symbol but its candidates contested on different symbols and secured public support. He questioned why millions of Pakistanis should suffer because of their political choices.

The opposition leader also defended former KP chief minister Sohail Afridi, who had been leading the PTI’s protest campaign before governor’s rule was imposed. Achakzai maintained that Afridi had called for protests without resorting to violence or abusive language.

Warning against further restrictions on provincial autonomy, he said any attempt to take away people’s voting rights and political freedoms would unite opposition forces across the country.

Achakzai expressed disappointment over the Pakistan Peoples Party’s participation in the parliamentary proceedings, particularly because the party governs Sindh. He warned that the province could face a similar situation over disputes involving water, mines and other natural resources.

He urged the government to reconsider its decisions, stressing that there was still time to correct the course and prevent further political confrontation.

Achakzai also criticised the government’s economic policies, accusing those in power of exploiting national resources while the country faced mounting challenges. He argued that Pakistan could overcome its difficulties only by upholding the Constitution, strengthening Parliament and ensuring a functioning democratic system.

On foreign policy, he complained that Parliament had not been adequately consulted on major decisions and expressed concern over Pakistan’s strained relations with several neighbouring countries.

He also raised the issue of PTI founder Imran Khan, questioning the constitutional basis for restrictions on his meetings with family members and associates. Achakzai called for respect for constitutional rights and democratic principles, warning that alienating citizens could have serious consequences for the state.