Pashtuns Being Denied Fundamental and Economic Rights, No Control Over Resources: Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai
Zhob (Daily Qudrat Quetta): Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Central Secretary Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai, Central Information Secretary Talimand Khan, Dr. Qutbuddin Sherani, and other leaders have said that at the time of Pakistan’s creation, it was envisioned that all ethnic groups living in the country would live on the basis of equality; however, they said, today the Pashtun nation is being kept deprived of fundamental, national, and economic rights.
The leaders said that the traditional Pashtun turban has long been a symbol of honor and dignity, but due to its being linked to terrorism, Pashtuns now face difficulties even moving about with their identity. They said that the Pashtun homeland is rich in natural resources, but the local population has no control over its own resources — a major reason for which is also the mutual disunity and political weakness of Pashtuns.
The speakers said that nations have made sacrifices for the defense of their homeland and rights, yet the interests of the local population are ignored in decisions related to land and resources. According to them, in the distribution of the budget and resources given to Balochistan, Pashtun areas are also not receiving their rightful share, while injustice is being done in employment opportunities through a quota system instead of merit.
Expressing reservations about the formation of districts and population ratios, PkMAP leaders said that some Baloch districts are based on low populations, while in Pashtun areas several districts have populations exceeding 450,000. Therefore, they said, the distribution of resources should be carried out under fair principles based on population and need.
The leaders also mentioned alleged financial irregularities in various matters, particularly assembly seats, jobs, and transfers. According to them, poor parents endure hardships to educate their children, but after completing their education, they are allegedly forced to pay money to obtain employment.
The speakers said that instead of highlighting the real problems of the people in the assemblies, claims are made of reaching those who allegedly obtain seats by spending millions of rupees, due to which public issues do not come to the fore effectively.
Discussing the country’s political situation, the leaders expressed concern over the treatment of Imran Khan and said that despite the withdrawal of the election symbol, the people decided in favor of Imran Khan; however, according to them, power was handed to those who won fewer seats.
They said that the common citizen and every child of the country is affected by the burden of debt, while ruling families are spending on expensive jets and vehicles. On the other hand, children do not have access to proper education and health facilities, and for employment they must work in dangerous places, including coal mines, where numerous children and young people lose their lives in accidents.
PkMAP leaders demanded that the supremacy of the Constitution, democratic principles, merit, fair distribution of resources, and the provision of equal rights to all ethnic groups be ensured in the country. They said that political forces should prioritize the broader interests of the country and the people rather than their own interests.
The speakers said that the history of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party is one of struggle and sacrifices for the homeland and the people. According to them, the party does not force anyone to take up arms but appeals to the people to join a constitutional, democratic, and peaceful political struggle.
