Pakistan’s opposition leaders were stopped by Islamabad Police while traveling to Azad Kashmir, leading to a protest on the Azad Pattan Highway. The delegation, headed by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, was prevented from continuing its journey at the Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road checkpoint.
The opposition delegation included Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and Mehtab Abbasi. According to the leaders, the visit was intended to meet local representatives and discuss concerns raised by people from Azad Kashmir.
Following the police action, the opposition leaders staged a sit-in on the highway, temporarily disrupting traffic. The protest continued for some time before it was called off, after which the delegation addressed a joint press conference.
Speaking to the media, Mahmood Khan Achakzai said a delegation from Azad Kashmir had approached them seeking assistance in resolving ongoing issues. He stated that the opposition decided to visit the region to hear public concerns firsthand, adding that they would support legitimate demands while rejecting any that were not justified. He also acknowledged that the protest caused inconvenience to commuters after the main highway was blocked.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar criticized the government’s decision to stop the delegation, saying the move had further escalated tensions. He maintained that the opposition’s objective was to help resolve issues peacefully and ensure that the grievances of the people of Azad Kashmir were heard.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said several groups had requested the opposition to help reduce tensions in the region. He described the planned visit as a constructive effort aimed at promoting dialogue and said it was important for the delegation to reach Azad Kashmir
