ISLAMABAD: In a fiery plea, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the newly appointed opposition leader in National Assembly, on Monday urged lawmakers from all political parties to “reclaim” control of Parliament as a genuine centre of power, emphasising the need to prioritise public welfare over partisan disputes. In his maiden address to the House, Achakzai emphasised the need for ethical conduct in public office, drawing on religious and constitutional principles to advocate for a more accountable and transparent parliament. “Pakistan is not a weak country. Let us sit together and find solutions to our problems. The UN is weakening. Let democracy flourish, and let us pledge to perform our duties within the ambit of constitutional boundaries,” he added. Achakzai’s speech, delivered with a sense of moral conviction, saw him praise the role of the country’s armed forces and police in maintaining national security, while reaffirming his commitment to democratic values. “I have never taken money for votes, nor have I ever violated my oath of office,” the opposition leader declared, underscoring his longstanding adherence to ethical standards in politics. Tackling the broader national challenges, Achakzai acknowledged the country’s struggles, noting that while many nations had made strides forward, Pakistan was still grappling with serious issues. He called for stronger parliamentary procedures and constitutional reforms to ensure the Parliament could better serve the people. “This House should be a source of strength, irrespective of which party is in power. When issues of public welfare are raised, we will always stand in support,” he maintained. The opposition leader also urged his fellow lawmakers to remain true to ethical conduct, quoting the Quran’s injunction to “not support evil deeds,” and advising members to act in a manner they would be proud of in front of their families. He recalled the operation against Osama bin Laden, calling it an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty. “We must unite for the sake of our region,” he said, “because while the international Western powers may not seek to destabilise the West and Europe, they aim to create unrest in South Asia – a scenario we cannot allow to unfold.” He also raised concerns over humanitarian issues, particularly the removal of people from Tirah during winter, and criticised the government’s handling of foreign policy, specifically Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan and the sanctions imposed on Iran. Achakzai called for greater parliamentary oversight of decisions relating to foreign military engagements, particularly in Palestine, urging that such decisions be brought to the Parliament for debate and approval. He also addressed recent constitutional amendments, warning against their use for political manoeuvring and stressing the need to use them to strengthen the legislative process. Reflecting on his own political history, Achakzai took a moment to recall his respect for the sanctity of votes and constitutional processes, citing his positive relations with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He concluded his speech by reaffirming the opposition’s commitment to supporting any measure that would strengthen the parliament and uphold democratic norms. The speech, which coincided with a chorus of slogans from PTI lawmakers – including chants of “Imran Khan, Imran Khan” – marked a significant moment in Achakzai’s leadership as he positioned himself as a champion of ethical governance and parliamentary reform. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026