Pashtun National Jirga Condemns Police Crackdown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Pashtun National Jirga organizing committee has expressed strong disapproval of the police’s use of excessive force, including tear gas and the burning of camps, ahead of their planned gathering on October 11. Despite promises of security from the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police conducted a midnight raid, targeting peaceful activists. The Jirga questions the provincial government’s credibility, which supports peaceful assembly rights elsewhere but denies them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Jirga demands an end to the crackdown, a thorough investigation, and security for their encampment, allowing Pashtuns to exercise their constitutional rights. They urge civil society and human rights activists to speak against the state’s repression. The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), led by Manzoor Pashteen, has called for a national gathering to address violence and terrorism. Established in 2018, PTM advocates for Pashtun rights, facing challenges like extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Doubts Revealed
Pashtun National Jirga -: A Jirga is a traditional assembly of leaders that make decisions by consensus. The Pashtun National Jirga is a gathering of Pashtun leaders who come together to discuss and address issues affecting their community.
Police Crackdown -: A police crackdown is when the police take strong action to control or suppress a group or activity. In this case, it means the police used force to stop the Jirga’s gathering.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and is home to many Pashtun people.
Tear Gas -: Tear gas is a chemical weapon used by police to control crowds. It causes tears, pain, and discomfort, making it hard for people to stay in one place.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state or province in Pakistan. They are responsible for making decisions and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people in their area.
Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement -: The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement is a group that fights for the rights and protection of Pashtun people. They have been active since 2018, working to address issues like violence and terrorism affecting their community.
Civil Society -: Civil society refers to organizations and groups that work for the interests of the public, outside of the government. They can include non-profit organizations, community groups, and activists.