Religious Politics Hindered Pashtun Progress, Says PkNAP Chairman Khushal Kakar

Ziarat:Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) Chairman Khushal Khan Kakar has strongly criticized religious political forces, accusing them of misusing the name of Islam to oppose education, progress, and enlightenment in Pashtun regions. He said that these elements have historically obstructed genuine efforts for Pashtun national autonomy and resource control by linking the anti-colonial struggle to religion in a misleading way.

Addressing a large public gathering (jirga) in Warchoom, Ziarat district, Kakar stated that these same groups who once opposed nationalistic struggles are now passing the Mines and Minerals Act in assemblies, handing over the control of Balochistan’s mineral resources to the federal government. “Meanwhile, they head to the courts pretending to represent the people — a hypocritical and condemnable act,” he added.

He further emphasized that the current land allotment laws are unacceptable to the local population. “No allotment — whether in the name of a non-Pashtun or even a Pashtun — is acceptable if it is not based on ancestral ownership,” he said, referring to the tribal system of land distribution. “We will not tolerate fake allotments and illegal land grabbing carried out under government departments or in the name of favored Pashtuns.”

Khushal Kakar called on the leadership of all Pashtun and progressive parties — including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Awami National Party, National Democratic Movement, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, and Qaumi Watan Party — to rise above differences and form a united national front. “No single party can address the serious crises facing the Pashtun nation. We must come together for a shared struggle under a common agenda.”

He harshly criticized past and present elected representatives of the region, accusing them of keeping the people deliberately backward. “Instead of steering the people toward prosperity, they kept them trapped in poverty, displacement, and dependency — all while hiding behind the name of Islam to serve the colonial interests of dominant groups,” he said.

Kakar urged politically aware citizens, civil society, and youth to raise their voices for national unity and avoid baseless accusations and divisions. He emphasized that party members must invest in self-education, discipline, and outreach to take the party’s message to every home. “Avoid toxic social media behavior and engage in principled political activism,” he concluded.

Other leaders who addressed the jirga included Nasrullah Khan Zarey, Chairman Allah Noor Khan, Wahab Khan Dummar, Zahir Khan Lala, Advocate Masoor Khan, Nazim Mehrullah, and Gulab Khan. Local workers warmly welcomed the party chairman and leadership upon arrival.