Fazal ur Rehman Afridi and PTM Call for Action Against Pakistan Army’s Treatment of Pashtuns
Fazal ur Rehman Afridi, a member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has voiced serious concerns about the Pakistan Army’s actions towards the Pashtun community. He emphasized the need for caution in providing financial aid to Pakistan, as a large portion of the budget is used by the military, which he claims is responsible for the deaths of many Baloch and Pashtun people.
Afridi highlighted the escalating violence against Pashtuns over the past six years. During a recent Pashtun Jirga in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen presented disturbing footage of the atrocities faced by the community. Afridi shared the emotional impact of these events, including a tragic story of a young girl who lost her arms to a bomb disguised as a toy.
Reports suggest over 80,000 Pashtuns have been killed due to the Pakistan Army’s actions, including bombings and executions. Afridi noted a confirmed list of 6,700 missing people, with the actual number likely higher. Over 300,000 houses have been demolished, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Waziristan, with no compensation for victims.
The Jirga, which began on October 11, aims to unite the Pashtun community and address grievances against political parties. Despite threats, Manzoor Pashteen remains committed to leading the PTM. The gathering attracted thousands, highlighting young Pashtuns’ involvement in advocacy efforts.
Afridi called for international scrutiny of Pakistan’s use of funds, urging the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the International Monetary Fund to hold Pakistan accountable. He stressed the need for the Pakistani army to leave Pashtun lands, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism.
Doubts Revealed
Fazal ur Rehman Afridi -: Fazal ur Rehman Afridi is a person who is speaking out about the problems faced by Pashtun people in Pakistan. He is part of a group that wants to protect the rights of Pashtuns.
PTM -: PTM stands for Pashtun Tahafuz Movement. It is a group that works to protect the rights and lives of Pashtun people in Pakistan.
Pakistan Army -: The Pakistan Army is the military force of Pakistan. It is responsible for defending the country and sometimes gets involved in internal matters.
Pashtuns -: Pashtuns are a group of people who live mainly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They have their own language and culture.
Jirga -: A Jirga is a traditional meeting or assembly of leaders in Pashtun culture. It is used to discuss and solve community issues.
International scrutiny -: International scrutiny means that people from other countries are watching and checking what is happening in Pakistan, especially how money is being spent.
Sponsoring terrorism -: Sponsoring terrorism means supporting or helping groups that use violence to scare people and achieve their goals. Afridi is accusing the Pakistan Army of doing this.
