Chaman Court Cancels Bail of ANP Balochistan President Asghar Khan Achakzai; Arrested Inside Courtroom

Party leaders urge calm as political parties condemn the arrest and legal experts question aspects of the court order

CHAMAN, Pakistan (Syed Sardar Mohammad Khondai): The Sessions Court in Chaman on Wednesday cancelled the bail of Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan Provincial President Asghar Khan Achakzai, who was subsequently arrested inside the courtroom.

Following his arrest, Achakzai spoke to the media and appealed to party workers to remain peaceful, urging them to avoid strikes and shutter-down protests.

“All workers should remain peaceful,” he said, adding that followers of Bacha Khan’s ideology had faced similar tactics for generations. He alleged that state institutions were using the situation to promote hatred in the region and across the country.

Achakzai directed ANP workers not to call a strike or close businesses in protest. He also said the party was aware of what he described as the intentions of the country’s establishment.

ANP Leadership Expresses Concern Over Arrest

ANP Central President Aimal Wali Khan, along with other central and provincial leaders, expressed serious reservations about Achakzai’s arrest.

In a joint statement, the party leadership criticised what it described as the court’s failure to give due consideration to the complainant’s affidavit in the case.

“We are not disappointed with the court. InshaAllah, victory will be ours,” the statement said.

The party reiterated its commitment to constitutional and legal principles, stating that it respects the judiciary and believes every citizen should receive justice in accordance with the law.

Political Parties Condemn the Arrest

Several political parties in Balochistan, including Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and parties associated with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), reportedly condemned Achakzai’s arrest.

Meanwhile, local ANP leaders in Chaman held a press conference and appealed to party workers to maintain peace and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

Legal Experts Raise Questions About Court Order

Some legal practitioners have questioned aspects of the decision. Advocates Ulas Yar Tareen, Kalimullah Achakzai and others referred to a copy of an order dated October 21, 2026, attributed to the Sessions Judge in Chaman, which they said was circulating on social media.

According to these lawyers, the order did not refer to a statement personally given by the complainant or to an affidavit submitted on stamp paper. They argued that these omissions raised concerns about whether all relevant material had been considered.

These concerns reflect the views expressed by the lawyers and have not been independently verified. The court’s complete reasoning and the underlying case record would be needed to assess the legal arguments.

ANP Calls for Justice and Peace

In its official position, the Awami National Party said it believed in the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law and respected the judiciary and the courts.

The party called for immediate notice to be taken of the incident and for the requirements of justice to be fulfilled.

“Peace is our tradition, unity is our strength, and justice is our fundamental right,” the party said.

Achakzai’s appeal for peaceful conduct remains central to the party’s response, as political leaders and legal practitioners continue to express their positions on the arrest and the court order.