A palpable sense of despair has gripped members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as reports of heavy-handed actions by law enforcement and agencies persist. The latest incident involves a raid on the residence of Mahmood Achakzai, PTI’s presidential candidate, in Quetta on Sunday night. This development follows closely after the nomination of Achakzai by Sunni Ittehad Council for the top leadership position.

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The timing of the raid, just days before the presidential election in which Achakzai is a candidate, has raised concerns and led to a prevailing sense of unease within the party. Video clips shared online depict a long line of vehicles entering Achakzai’s street under the cover of night. Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Secretary General of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, revealed that the raid was conducted in the presence of a judge. He denounced the incident as a ‘pressure tactic,’ asserting that it occurred after Achakzai exposed electoral rigging. In response to the raid, the party has announced protests scheduled for 3 pm on Monday.

As of now, Achakzai himself has not issued a statement regarding the raid. The incident has sparked condemnation from various quarters, with political leaders expressing outrage. Sardar Akhtar Mengal strongly condemned the raid, interpreting it as a sign of intolerance for the truth.

Omar Ayub Khan also condemned the incident, attributing such tactics to the Shehbaz government. Earlier, Achakzai had been vocal in his criticism of the establishment, lamenting about election rigging and interference. The prevailing atmosphere of discontent and perceived targeting of political figures raises concerns about the democratic process and the ability of political actors to operate freely and without intimidation.