Pashtun Jirga Demands Military Withdrawal and Economic Reforms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Pashtun Jirga, organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has issued a strong ultimatum to the Pakistani military and terrorists, demanding their withdrawal from Pashtun areas within two months. This three-day event highlighted the growing dissatisfaction within the Pashtun community and the challenges facing Pakistan’s governance and security policies.
Key Figures and Demands
PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen announced the formation of an unarmed tribal Lashkar with 3,000 volunteers to manage security and resolve disputes, showing the community’s mistrust of both the military and terrorists. The jirga also demanded free electricity for tribal districts, discounted power for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and threatened to cut off power to other provinces if ignored.
Government Response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur attended the event but did not endorse the military withdrawal, emphasizing the military’s deployment at the provincial government’s request. This response highlighted the state’s reluctance to address the military’s presence, indicating Islamabad’s weakening control over the region.
Additional Demands
The jirga called for unrestricted cross-border trade with Afghanistan, visa-free movement for Pashtuns, and a judicial commission to investigate Pashtun deaths over two decades. It also demanded the release of political prisoners and warned of a strong response to any actions against PTM members.
Implications
The resolutions reflect rising frustrations among the Pashtun community, further straining Pakistan’s internal stability. With tensions between the state and PTM escalating, Pakistan risks deeper unrest in this strategically sensitive region.
Doubts Revealed
Pashtun Jirga -: A Jirga is a traditional assembly of leaders that make decisions by consensus. The Pashtun Jirga is a gathering of Pashtun leaders who come together to discuss and make decisions about issues affecting their community.
Pashtun Tahafuz Movement -: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is a social movement in Pakistan that advocates for the rights of the Pashtun people. It focuses on issues like human rights, security, and justice for the Pashtun community.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan, located in the northwestern part of the country. It is home to many Pashtun people and has been affected by conflict and military operations.
Manzoor Pashteen -: Manzoor Pashteen is a leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement. He is known for advocating for the rights and protection of the Pashtun people in Pakistan.
Tribal Lashkar -: A tribal Lashkar is a group of local people organized for security and defense purposes. It is formed by the community to protect themselves, especially when they do not trust external forces like the military.
Cross-border trade -: Cross-border trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between two countries. In this context, it means trading between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which can help improve the economy of the region.
Judicial inquiry -: A judicial inquiry is an investigation conducted by a judge or a legal authority to find out the truth about a particular issue. Here, it refers to investigating the deaths of Pashtun people to ensure justice is served.
