Khushhal Kakar Slams Policies, Warns Against Imposed Extremism on Pashtun Society

Muslim Bagh: Chairman of Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party, Khushhal Khan Kakar, has said that his party will continue a sustained struggle to achieve national and political objectives while promoting Pashtun culture, traditions, and historical heritage.
He made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the “Milli Shaheed Sur Gul Kand Mela” held at the historic site of Kan Mehterzai, where a large number of political leaders, party workers, and citizens participated.
Khushhal Kakar said that political and democratic struggle must be aligned with cultural values, adding that efforts against extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism will be intensified to address challenges faced by the Pashtun nation.
He alleged that for a long time, artificial extremism and terrorism had been imposed on the Pashtun region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and criticized ruling authorities for linking Pashtun identity, language, dress, and culture with terrorism at the international level.
He said such narratives had damaged the national identity and cultural heritage of the Pashtun people, which he termed unacceptable. He emphasized that the Pashtun nation has historically been associated with peace, tolerance, democratic values, and high cultural traditions rather than extremism or sectarianism.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, he said the large public participation reflected the deep connection of the Pashtun people with their culture and traditions. He also praised the active participation of youth in traditional sports, saying it demonstrated strong cultural continuity among the younger generation.
He further appreciated that the event was organized through public cooperation, calling it a symbol of unity and collective effort.
Kakar added that the Pashtun nation is currently facing serious political, economic, and social challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources. He stressed that only an organized and sustained political struggle can resolve these issues.
He called for strengthening Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party, urging people to support the party in its struggle for national rights. He also emphasized the importance of women’s participation in society and their rightful role in all sectors.