The Political Journey of Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Mehmood Khan Achakzai
A prominent politician from Balochistan, Pakistan, has had a long and storied career in Pakistani politics. Born on 14th June 1948 in Quetta, Balochistan, Achakzai hails from the politically influential Achakzai family of Pashtun origin. His father, Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai, was a renowned political figure, and this familial lineage has been instrumental in shaping Mehmood Achakzai’s political ideology and career.
Achakzai’s political journey began in the early 1970s when he joined the National Awami Party (NAP), a left-wing political party advocating for the rights of the people of Balochistan and other marginalized groups in Pakistan. Achakzai quickly rose through the ranks of the party and became a vocal proponent of provincial autonomy, Pashtun nationalism, and the rights of Balochistan.
In 1973, Achakzai was elected as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Quetta on the NAP ticket. However, his political career faced a significant setback in 1974 when the NAP was banned by the government, and Achakzai was imprisoned under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act. This marked the beginning of a series of incarcerations and periods of political exile for Achakzai, during which he continued to advocate for the rights of the people of Balochistan and Pashtuns.
In 1986, after the death of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the end of the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, Achakzai founded the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), a political party with a strong Pashtun nationalist agenda. Under Achakzai’s leadership, PkMAP emerged as a significant political force in Balochistan, advocating for the rights of Pashtuns and Baloch people and seeking greater provincial autonomy.
Achakzai’s relationship with Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been a complex one. On one hand, Achakzai has been a vocal critic of the military’s interference in politics and has often aligned himself with opposition parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in their efforts to restore democracy and civilian rule in Pakistan. On the other hand, Achakzai has also been a staunch advocate for provincial autonomy and has criticized the federal government, including PTI-led governments, for what he perceives as a lack of respect for the rights of smaller provinces like Balochistan.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai Election 2018
Despite these differences, Achakzai has maintained a pragmatic approach towards PTI, acknowledging the party’s electoral mandate and the need for political stability in the country. In the 2018 general elections, PkMAP contested the elections in alliance with other opposition parties, including PTI’s main rival, PML-N. However, despite the differences between PTI and PkMAP, Achakzai has been known to engage in political negotiations and has shown a willingness to work with PTI on issues of mutual interest, such as the development of Balochistan and the promotion of Pashtun rights.
After nominating Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the slot of President of Pakistan, can we confidently say that Imran Khan is considering the inclusion of democratic voices in his party like he before elections 2024 he gave the party ticket to Salman Akram Raja.
In conclusion, Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s political career has been characterized by his unwavering commitment to the rights of the people of Balochistan and Pashtuns, his advocacy for provincial autonomy, and his pragmatic approach to politics. While his relationship with Imran Khan’s PTI has been complex, Achakzai’s willingness to engage in political negotiations and work towards common goals underscores his commitment to the democratic process and the betterment of Pakistan.
