Silence on Pashtun Rights Is a Tragedy, Allegations of Corruption Against Balochistan Government: Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal

Quetta: Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Central General Secretary of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has said that silence over the rights and resources of Pashtuns is a “tragedy,” and criticized the Balochistan government for alleged corruption and poor governance.

Addressing party workers at organizational conventions in Quetta, Ziaratwal said that the vision of democratic leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and the party’s politics are based on constitutional supremacy, democracy, parliamentary sovereignty, and equality among nations within a true federal system.

He reiterated the demand for a separate Pashtun province in Pashtun-majority areas, to be named “Pashtunistan,” and said the party would continue its struggle for these political and constitutional goals under Achakzai’s leadership.

Referring to historical figures, he said that Khan Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai was imprisoned for decades for advocating these rights and was later killed for refusing to abandon his stance.

Ziaratwal alleged that Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party continues to face political pressure for raising its voice for democracy and constitutional supremacy. He claimed that Pashtun resources, including land, forests, minerals, and natural wealth, are being deprived and controlled by others.

He further criticized what he called “representatives of Form-47,” accusing them of entering assemblies through rigged electoral processes and focusing on corruption, commissions, and personal gains instead of public service.

The party leader said that unity among the Pashtun people is necessary to protect their rights and resources. He added that accountability of those involved in alleged electoral manipulation is essential for political and economic justice in the province.