Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and the opposition coalition Tahreek-e-Tahafuz Aain Pakistan, on Wednesday threatened to escalate their opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam by appealing to the International Court of Justice if necessary.
During a jirga hosted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Peshawar, Achakzai stressed the importance of governmental decisions reflecting the true will of the majority, a standard he claims is currently unmet. He recalled the parliamentary session regarding the constitutional amendment for merging FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), noting it was omitted from the official agenda.
Highlighting the potential for peace to foster tourism in the region, Achakzai pointed out K-P’s significance as a center for Buddhism and its hospitable community that could attract global tourists.
He also highlighted the historical exploitation of natural resources in Pakistan, including the use of extensive railway tracks, marble from Mohmand, and the mineral-rich lands of Waziristan. He called on President Zardari to ensure that the benefits of these resources are returned to the local communities.
Achakzai expressed confidence in resolving International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans if given adequate authority and mentioned potential negotiations with Afghanistan for electricity and gas supplies to help achieve economic self-sufficiency.
He referred to the Quran’s Surah Ar-Rahman to underscore the natural wealth of the tribal areas, claiming rightful ownership for the Pashtuns. He criticized ongoing military operations in the tribal districts as attempts to commandeer these resources, emphasizing that the Pashtuns are determined to live freely on their ancestral lands, not as subordinates.
