Unexpected move”: Mahmood Khan Achakzai reportedly writes letter to Indian diplomatic representative

In a development likely to attract political and diplomatic attention, **Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai**

ISLAMABAD: In a development likely to attract political and diplomatic attention, **Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai** has reportedly written a letter to the newly appointed **Indian Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan**, welcoming the diplomat to Islamabad, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Sources from parliamentary and diplomatic circles told ***Minute Mirror*** that the correspondence was prepared from the office of the Opposition Leader, while discussions have also taken place regarding a possible meeting between Achakzai and the Indian diplomatic representative.

The reported communication comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and India remain highly sensitive, with both countries currently maintaining diplomatic representation at the Chargé d’Affaires level.

* A draft letter was prepared by the office of the National Assembly Opposition Leader and shared with the Indian mission in Islamabad.

* The letter reportedly extends greetings and welcomes the newly appointed Indian diplomatic official to Pakistan.

* Both sides have reportedly agreed in principle to a meeting, with arrangements being coordinated through diplomatic channels.

However, ***Minute Mirror* has not independently verified the contents of the reported letter** and has approached both Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s office and the Indian High Commission for official confirmation.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the **Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)** and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, has remained a prominent political voice on regional peace and Pakistan-India relations.

Over the years, Achakzai has publicly supported dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi, arguing that communication and diplomatic engagement are necessary for resolving longstanding disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

He has also participated in diplomatic gatherings, including events hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, and has spoken in favour of improving trade links and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

His views on engagement with India have received mixed reactions. Supporters describe his approach as an effort to promote regional stability and peaceful relations, while critics have questioned the timing and nature of such interactions, particularly during periods of heightened tensions.

The reported letter is expected to generate discussion within political circles, particularly in the National Assembly, where foreign policy matters often become subjects of debate.

Sources within the ruling alliance suggested that the development could spark political reactions, given the current state of Pakistan-India relations and the absence of full ambassadorial-level diplomatic ties.

A senior PkMAP leader, while responding to queries from ***Minute Mirror***, said that meetings with foreign diplomats are part of the parliamentary role of the Opposition Leader.

“**The Opposition Leader meets representatives of all countries as part of his responsibilities. Such engagements are aimed at promoting peace and regional stability,**” the official said.

Neither the Indian High Commission in Islamabad nor the Opposition Leader’s Secretariat had issued a formal statement regarding the reported correspondence at the time of filing this report.

Pakistan and India downgraded their diplomatic relations following tensions between the two countries, with both sides currently represented through Chargé d’Affaires-level officials.

Any political or diplomatic engagement involving senior Pakistani parliamentary figures and Indian representatives is closely monitored due to the sensitive nature of bilateral relations.

The reported letter and potential meeting between Mahmood Khan Achakzai and the Indian envoy are therefore expected to remain a subject of political and diplomatic discussion in the coming days.