Political Turmoil Prompts Call for Dialogue
In a significant development amid Pakistan’s intensifying political and constitutional turmoil, veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai has extended an invitation for dialogue to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Achakzai, who leads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and chairs the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has proposed initiating talks on the formation of a broad-based “unity government” to address the growing instability.
A Nation in Crisis
Pakistan currently faces a deepening crisis on multiple fronts — political gridlock, weakening state institutions, and increasing public distrust. This situation has raised concerns about the country’s ability to maintain democratic order and constitutional continuity. Amid these uncertainties, Achakzai’s call for dialogue has been viewed as a constructive step toward resolving the deadlock through inclusive political consensus.
Achakzai’s Statement
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Mahmood Khan Achakzai stressed the urgent need for a national dialogue that includes all major political actors. He emphasized that forming a unity government is the need of the hour to save Pakistan from further constitutional erosion and potential civil unrest.
“This is not the time for point scoring or political vendettas. It’s time for healing and unification. I am ready to talk to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and all stakeholders for the greater good of the country,” said Achakzai.
He also indicated his willingness to act as a facilitator to bridge the widening gap between rival political forces and revive democratic processes under the framework of the Constitution.
Role of the TTAP and PkMAP
Achakzai’s political standing as a seasoned statesman with a long history of constitutional advocacy lends weight to his proposal. His newly launched platform, the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), focuses on protecting constitutional integrity and civil liberties. In recent weeks, TTAP has gained attention for organizing peaceful protests and engaging with civil society groups to highlight constitutional violations.
The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), which he chairs, has traditionally championed provincial rights, democratic governance, and non-violent political engagement. Achakzai’s dual roles place him in a unique position to mediate talks and rally support from both ethnic nationalist and mainstream political factions.
Background: Rising Tensions and Calls for Reconciliation
Achakzai’s overture comes against a backdrop of increasing political polarization. The ruling coalition under Shehbaz Sharif has faced stiff opposition from rival parties, who accuse it of mismanaging the economy and undermining institutional independence. Meanwhile, opposition groups, particularly those aligned with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, allege targeted political victimization and unfair legal persecution.
Efforts at reconciliation have failed in the past due to mistrust, personal rivalries, and pressure from hardline elements within each party. However, the dire state of the economy, the judiciary’s mounting activism, and public disillusionment have created a sense of urgency for a broader political realignment.
Reactions from Political Circles
Initial reactions to Achakzai’s proposal have been mixed. Some members of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the coalition supporting PM Shehbaz Sharif, have welcomed the idea, citing the need for national unity. However, others have expressed skepticism, questioning whether the offer is sincere or politically motivated.
Opposition figures have been cautious in responding. A senior leader from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We support any step that leads to genuine democracy and rule of law. But we’ll have to see if this initiative is more than just a political maneuver.”
What a Unity Government Might Look Like
While Achakzai did not elaborate on the specifics of the proposed unity government, analysts suggest it would involve a transitional political setup that includes representation from all major political parties and possibly technocrats. The main goals would be to restore public trust, ensure free and fair elections, and uphold constitutional provisions without favor or prejudice.
Such a setup could also help in depoliticizing key state institutions and introducing electoral and judicial reforms before heading into the next general elections. However, success would depend heavily on mutual trust and credible guarantees of fair representation.
Civil Society and Public Sentiment
Outside the political class, civil society organizations and prominent activists have endorsed Achakzai’s appeal. Many see it as a rare show of statesmanship in an era marked by aggressive political rhetoric and zero-sum thinking.
Social media platforms have seen growing support for the idea, with hashtags like #UnityForPakistan, #DialogueNotDivision, and #SaveTheConstitution trending in the country.
The Road Ahead
Whether Achakzai’s initiative will translate into tangible political change remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the growing realization among various quarters that Pakistan can no longer afford prolonged political instability. As the country grapples with economic woes, rising inflation, and social unrest, a unified political front may be the only viable path forward.
