Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has criticised the government for restricting discussions on the constitution, stating that while the entire country shuts down for cricket matches, a constitutional conference is being held behind closed doors.

Addressing the two-day National Conference of the opposition grand alliance in Islamabad, Abbasi lamented that the conference venue had to be changed three times, as authorities did not allow a public discussion on the constitution.

“The government fears that a conference in the name of the constitution cannot take place,” he alleged.

He stressed that democracy and the rule of law are essential for the country’s progress, adding that those in power today once made the same arguments but have failed to end political instability.

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He also claimed that constitutional amendments were passed “in the darkness of night,” undermining the country’s judicial system.

“Today, the chief justice cannot even form a bench — this is the state of our judicial system,” he remarked.

’No country can function without state institutions

’ Speaking at the conference, Pashtun nationalist leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai asserted that no country can survive without its state institutions and armed forces.

He argued that the benefits of Pakistan’s independence have not trickled down to the people and that true governance requires inclusive participation.

Achakzai accused authorities of suppressing demands for constitutional rights, stating, “We have spent decades in jail, but we never went against Pakistan. The February 8 elections violated the constitution, and we seek governance through constitutional supremacy.”

He also referenced historical political oppression, mentioning that the grandfather of opposition leader Omar Ayub had imprisoned his own father for 14 years.

“I am glad that Omar Ayub has now embraced democracy,” he remarked. Achakzai criticised the political culture where those who sell their conscience are rewarded while honest individuals are sidelined.

Referring to historical military leadership changes, he stated, “During a battle, Khalid bin Waleed was told he was no longer the army chief — we need a system like that.”

He accused Shehbaz Sharif and his party of promoting falsehoods, urging political accountability.