Terrorism Is a State-Imposed Disaster on Pashtun-Afghan Land: Khushal Khan Kakar Urges National Unity at APC

Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli National Awami Party, Khushal Khan Kakar, delivered a powerful address at the All Parties Conference (APC) and National Jirga organized under the leadership of Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan. Expressing gratitude to Aimal Wali Khan for bringing together all democratic and political forces of the province once again, Kakar emphasized the urgent need for united struggle in defense of the region’s rights and identity.

Kakar stated that **terrorism is not a natural disaster** like floods or earthquakes, but rather **a man-made crisis imposed on the Pashtun-Afghan homeland over the last 50 years** to serve specific geopolitical agendas. “Our rulers used terrorism to destroy Afghanistan and turn it into a battleground for American and Soviet interests. Today, the same devastation continues across the subjugated Pashtunkhwa,” he said.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s own establishment has openly admitted its mistakes in spreading terrorism throughout the region, contributing to long-term instability and insecurity. According to Kakar, **the two core reasons behind the imposition of terrorism** are the region’s **geopolitical significance and its abundant natural resources**. “Our generals are now auctioning off these resources in America,” he said, referring to recent international lobbying for mineral investment.

Highlighting the critical importance of the **Mines and Minerals Act 2025**, Kakar declared it a matter of “national survival,” warning that failure to resist would result in the loss of their homeland. “Over 2.8 million acres of our land have been allotted to outsiders. We must unite for decisive resistance and protect our territory,” he stressed.

Kakar painted a grim picture of the region, where **Pashtun and Baloch populations face extreme challenges**—from lawlessness and collapsing healthcare and education systems to rising unemployment and closed trade routes. He called for a **joint national struggle** to resolve these issues and revive the historical spirit of mutual support between Pashtuns and Baloch.

“If forming a single political party is not possible, then **Pashtun and Baloch forces must organize separate national fronts**, and eventually build a **joint alliance of oppressed nations**,” he proposed.

He also condemned the ongoing violence in the province, citing incidents where **coal trucks owned by Pashtuns are attacked in Baloch areas**, and ransom money is being deposited in Quetta’s banks. “This is not a Pashtun-Baloch conflict but a consequence of state-imposed terrorism. We must work together to end it,” he urged.

On the issue of **land allotment**, Kakar said that **all such allocations must be annulled**, regardless of who authorized them or when they occurred. He stressed that **genuine national autonomy and democratic governance** are the only paths to lasting peace. “Beyond just four ministries, all powers must be transferred to the nations themselves. Equal representation in the army is essential, and foreign policy must include the voices of border-connected nations.”

Refuting the narrative that only a few armed individuals are upset in Balochistan, Kakar declared, “**99.9% of the Baloch population is opposed to the current repressive and anti-people policies of the state. The same is true for the Pashtun nation.**”

In closing, Khushal Khan Kakar urged all oppressed nations and democratic forces to unite and **launch an organized, joint struggle for their collective rights**, and once again thanked the ANP and Aimal Wali Khan for organizing the historic APC.