Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Announces Austere Observance of Pashtun Culture Day Amid Deteriorating Law and Order

QUETTA – The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) has announced that the Pashtun International Culture Day, scheduled for September 23, 2026, will be observed with simplicity and dignity across the country due to the precarious law and order situation in the province.

In a central statement issued from Quetta, the party expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security conditions, including partial and complete closures of highways, continuous incidents of highway robberies, kidnappings, and the inhumane practice of dumping precious human lives. The statement highlighted that people are being abducted and released only after payment of ransom, yet no responsible authority has stepped forward to address the crisis.

PMAP Slams Government Failure

The party statement read: “The protection of lives and property of the people is the government’s primary responsibility, but the government has completely failed to fulfill this obligation. Such imposed governments must go home.”

PMAP lamented that despite the ongoing incidents, “no one is bothered” and not a single responsible official has resigned to date, which the party termed deeply regrettable.

The party further criticized the state’s indifference, stating that “not even a flea stirs in anyone’s ear” when lives are lost, reflecting a complete lack of accountability and concern among those in power.

Decision to Observe Culture Day Austerely

“In view of the current situation, the party has decided that the Pashtun International Culture Day will be observed with simplicity across the country,” the statement said.

The party announced that a simple yet dignified cultural program will be organized at the central secretariat, and all provincial organizations have been directed to arrange similar events with austerity.

PMAP reiterated its commitment to celebrating Pashtun culture and heritage despite the challenging circumstances, calling on Pashtuns everywhere to mark the day with cultural pride while maintaining a somber tone in solidarity with victims of violence.

Background

The Pashtun International Culture Day is observed annually on September 23 to celebrate Pashtun language, literature, art, music, and traditions. PMAP has been organizing cultural programs with enthusiasm in previous years, but this year’s decision reflects the party’s protest against what it describes as the government’s failure to ensure peace and security in the province.