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Achakzai Calls for ‘New Pakistan’, Rule of Law at Karachi Lawyers’ Convention
Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai calls for a “new Pakistan” based on democracy, rule of law and justice while addressing lawyers in Karachi ahead of Feb 8 protests.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-19
Achakzai Calls for ‘New Pakistan’, Rule of Law at Karachi Lawyers’ Convention

National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai on Monday called for the formation of a “new Pakistan” rooted in democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, declaring that injustice and cruelty had pushed the country into a deep political and social crisis.

Achakzai, who is on a four-day visit to Sindh along with a delegation of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), expressed these views while addressing lawyers at the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA). The visit aims to mobilise public support for a nationwide strike and protest rallies scheduled for February 8.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Protecting the Basic Structure of the Constitution of Pakistan”, Achakzai said democracy had not been allowed to flourish in the country. “Let’s make Pakistan a democratic country where people have power, where there is rule of law and the Constitution,” he said, adding that the country was “ailing like a cancer patient”.

Calling for adherence to the social contract with the people, Achakzai said injustice breeds disharmony. “We want a new Pakistan where there is no cruelty,” he said, stressing that politics must be conducted within the bounds of respect.

He said small provinces had also made sacrifices during the freedom movement and must be treated equally. “Countries are not run at gunpoint,” he remarked, adding that people of all races and languages deserved equal treatment. While criticising “rogue and arbitrary behaviour” in governance, he clarified that the opposition did not want civil war.

Achakzai also raised questions over the lack of accountability regarding the use of funds received under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. Referring to the recent fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall, he questioned the absence of emergency exits and demanded accountability for those responsible.

The opposition leader asserted that the PTI founder had won the 2024 general election and said blocking his way to parliament was “constitutionally and religiously wrong”. Warning that the spirit of freedom among the youth was being crushed, he urged citizens to stand up against oppression.

Assuring peaceful protests on February 8, Achakzai appealed to the people of Sindh to participate. “We have come out to save the country. Come join us,” he said.

Earlier, TTAP Vice Chairman and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas criticised the incumbent government, claiming the Constitution had become “controversial” and public confidence in the rulers was eroding.

He alleged that state institutions were being used for unlawful acts and referred to Form 47, alleging that some leaders had been handed a “fake mandate” following the 2024 general elections. Abbas also warned that the three pillars of the state — the legislature, executive and judiciary — were being weakened.

Calling February 8 a crucial day, he said the protests would demonstrate the power of the people. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance, claiming global powers had historically sought to control the country.

PTI leader Asad Qaiser, also addressing the seminar, said the current governance model had made progress impossible. He alleged government interference in lawyers’ bodies and warned that the executive had overshadowed the judiciary, leading to a loss of public trust.

Qaiser criticised the unfair distribution of resources and described the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as chaotic. He said the 1973 Constitution had effectively been discarded and questioned the purpose of elections under such circumstances.

He urged all segments of society to support the February 8 protest, saying its objective was to restore judicial independence and establish the supremacy of the Constitution.
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