Mehmood Khan Achakzai

PTI parliamentary party decided to launch a nationwide movement from August 5 for the release of Imran Khan and acceptance of other demands. The movement will include public meetings, demonstrations, and a long march, with plans finalized after consulting Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. PTI also reaffirmed its boycott of parliamentary standing committees and submitted a list of leaders for a meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala jail.

30% of National Assembly members (99 MNAs) attended all 15 sittings of the 28th budget session from June 10 to 24, while 2% (6 MNAs) skipped all sittings. The session saw 70% of MNAs skipping at least one sitting, with the highest attendance (75%) during the 13th sitting on budget-related votes. Female lawmakers recorded higher attendance than male colleagues.

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas filed a privilege motion against Bhara Kahu SHO Sub-inspector Naeemul Hassan for allegedly stopping him from proceeding to his residence in a 'rude and discourteous' manner. The incident occurred after a delegation of opposition leaders, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, was prevented from traveling to Azad Jammu and Kashmir to express solidarity with protesters.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the opposition to address their past actions and sign a Charter of Democracy with the government. He criticized the opposition's recent criticism of the government and referenced historical political conflicts between PPP and PML-N to advocate for reconciliation.

The National Assembly passed the FY2026-27 budget after the opposition staged a walkout. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticized the government and claimed his speech was censored. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan's role in mediating US-Iran talks and expressed hope for a lasting agreement.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the proposed FY27 budget aims to accelerate sustainable economic growth observed in the past two years. The budget faced Senate recommendations and debates, with some reservations raised, but Aurangzeb emphasized it is broadly seen as pro-growth. He addressed concerns about discrepancies in GDP growth and methodology, clarifying that no changes were made to economic indicator reporting methods.

Five incarcerated PTI leaders in Kot Lakhpat Jail urged opposition leaders to engage with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on a 'Charter of Pakistan,' arguing that political and constitutional stability is essential for economic recovery. The letter emphasized the need for consensus on constitutional supremacy, electoral mandates, and institutional accountability.

The National Assembly began debating the 2026-27 federal budget, with opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticizing the government's freeze on provincial development funds, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the policy and highlighted projects in Balochistan. MQM called for stronger local governance and approval of the 28th Amendment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Assembly following the proposed FY27 federal budget. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticized the government's decision to freeze provincial development allocations, citing negative impacts on health and social sectors. Shehbaz acknowledged Achakzai's points on provincial financial rights and highlighted Balochistan's shares in the Reko Diq project.

PTI lawmakers protested alleged rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan elections in the National Assembly, while the government reiterated an offer for dialogue on national issues. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the need for an 'enabling environment' for talks and stated the Constitution does not permit convicts to lead political parties. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai hinted at boycotting parliament over unmet demands, including restrictions on PTI founder Imran Khan's meetings.

The Balochistan High Court suspended a first information report (FIR) filed against Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. The FIR, registered in Qila Abdullah district, accuses him of spreading hatred against a state institution and criticizing the government during a public gathering. The court admitted Achakzai's constitutional petition and issued notices to the provincial government for the next hearing, suspending further action on the FIR until further proceedings.