Zeeshan Ahmed:
Islamabad – In a powerful moment of political unity, National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai declared that “only a madman would not be happy” with Pakistan’s diplomatic success in helping secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Achakzai extended unconditional support to the government’s peace efforts in the Middle East. He was responding to Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s request to delay the opposition’s planned protest for Thursday.
Achakzai recalled his earlier call for top political figures — including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and PTI founder Imran Khan — to sit together and steer the country forward during this crucial time.
He announced that he and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Nasir Abbas would personally urge Imran Khan to join political dialogue. Stressing the need to rise above blame games, Achakzai said all sides should at least agree on basic democratic principles and let Parliament remain the real centre of power and policymaking.
Praising the government’s mediation, he lauded Iran for standing tall and upholding the honour of Muslims worldwide. He also suggested that US President Donald Trump should focus on dialogue with all nations rather than escalation.
Achakzai highlighted how both Washington and Tehran trust Pakistan as a reliable channel, saying the country had wisely used this opportunity given by nature. “We handled it well,” he added, drawing applause from the house.
PTI Cancels April 9 Protest for National Unity
In a separate but equally significant development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan informed the National Assembly that the party has called off its public gathering scheduled for Thursday on Imran Khan’s instructions.
Gohar described the ceasefire as a proud moment for the nation, saying Pakistan helped stop the Muslim world from sliding into deeper internal conflict. “There come times in a nation’s life when unity becomes essential,” he remarked, while expressing hope that the truce leads to permanent peace.
Setting aside political grievances for the country’s sake, Gohar noted that a government team had approached the opposition and received a positive response. He also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s eye condition and the continued imprisonment of his wife, saying doctors of their choice were not allowed to treat him.
