PTI Presidential Candidate Mahmood Achakzai’s Residence Raided In Quetta

A prevailing atmosphere of despondency envelops members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as instances of heavy-handed actions by law enforcement and agencies persist, the latest being the raid on PTI’s presidential candidate Mahmood Achakzai’s residence in Quetta on Sunday night.

This development follows closely on the heels of the Sunni Ittehad Council nominating Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party President Mehmood Khan Achakzai as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. The timing of the raid, just days before the election in which Achakzai is a candidate, raises concerns and questions about its motivations. Video clips circulating online depict a procession of vehicles entering Achakzai’s street during the night.

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Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, the Secretary General of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, asserted that the raid took place in the presence of a judge. He criticized it as a ‘pressure tactic,’ suggesting that it was conducted in response to Achakzai exposing electoral rigging. The party has announced protests against the raid scheduled for 3 pm on Monday. However, Achakzai himself has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

Political figures have strongly condemned the raid on Achakzai’s house, expressing their indignation. Sardar Akhtar Mengal denounced the raid, interpreting it as a sign of an unwillingness to tolerate the truth. Omar Ayub Khan also condemned the incident, attributing such tactics to be expected from the Shehbaz government.

Prior to the raid, Achakzai had been vocal about his concerns regarding election rigging and interference, continuing his criticism against the establishment. The sequence of events reflects an escalating tension within the political landscape, underscoring the challenges and controversies surrounding the upcoming presidential election.