Afghan Policy Fallout Hurting Civilians, Says Mohsin Dawar, Calls for Pashtun Unity

Quetta (Kudrat Daily) – Mohsin Dawar, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement, has said that Pakistan’s Afghan policy has had severe consequences for innocent civilians and urged the state to abandon policies aimed at erasing Pashtun identity.
Addressing a party-organized conference at the Quetta Press Club in Quetta, Dawar said that Pakistan played a role in bringing its preferred groups to power in Afghanistan, but today ordinary citizens, including children, are being affected by the fallout.
He stressed that the root cause of Pashtun issues lies in internal divisions and lack of unity, warning that continued fragmentation could lead to even more dangerous circumstances in the future.
Dawar called on all Pashtun leaders to show tolerance, broaden their vision, and unite on a single platform, emphasizing that peace, democracy, and collective political struggle are essential for survival.
He further stated that while some claim to support democracy in Pakistan, similar forces are allegedly aligned with “projects” in Afghanistan, while innocent people in the region are being targeted under unclear circumstances.
He also alleged that global and regional powers are pursuing conflicts aimed at controlling resources in the Gulf region, which he said is not in the interest of marginalized communities.
The NDM chief claimed that policies targeting Pashtun-Afghan identity are being pursued by both state and international actors, urging political leadership to resist such measures through democratic means.
He highlighted restrictions on trade and economic activity from Chaman to Bajaur, saying that Pashtuns are facing growing economic and political pressure.
Dawar also emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics, stating that they should have at least 50 percent representation to play a meaningful role in national development.
He concluded by reiterating that internal divisions are the biggest challenge for Pashtuns and called for unity, cooperation, and collective political action to address ongoing issues.