Pashtunkhwa Rich in Minerals but Industries Based in Punjab and Karachi: Decisive Struggle Needed for Resource Ownership, Says Khushal Khan Kakar

**Pishin:** Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP), Khushal Khan Kakar, has said that despite Pashtunkhwa being rich in mineral resources and fertile land, major industries and factories are established in Punjab and Karachi, leaving the local population deprived of the benefits of their own resources.

He expressed these views while addressing an extended district committee meeting of PkNAP Pishin, held at the residence of party leader Haji Zakaria Khan. The meeting was attended by Senior Deputy Chairman Raza Muhammad Raza, Provincial President Nasrullah Khan Zirey, Haji Zakaria Khan, and other party leaders and workers. District Secretary Mahmood Riaz performed the duties of stage secretary, while Qari Habib ur Rehman recited verses from the Holy Quran.

Congratulating party workers on the successful organization of the district conference, Khushal Khan Kakar said that the conscious, committed, and loyal workers of Pishin, with strong public support, secured the status of a parliamentary party for PkNAP in the area during the last elections. He stated that although their clear lead in the National Assembly seat was converted into the victory of a rival candidate, the people of Pishin had expressed full confidence in Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party.

He noted that hardworking people of Pishin are employed across different parts of the country and have played an important role in establishing and strengthening party organizational units. He reiterated that PkNAP is a leading party of the Pashtun national movement, committed to ending national subjugation, oppression, and authoritarianism of the Pashtun-Afghan nation.

Khushal Khan Kakar said that the Pashtun-Afghan nation is currently facing one of the worst periods in its history, with millions deprived of employment, education, healthcare, and basic life facilities. He added that Pashtunkhwa is endowed with valuable natural resources, yet not a single major industrial unit has been established there, while raw materials are extracted and utilized elsewhere.

He emphasized that sustainable employment is created through industrial development and agricultural growth, but local people are not benefiting from their resources. “Until national ownership over our resources is ensured, a prosperous future for our people is not possible,” he said, calling for a decisive struggle to end colonial-style governance and establish democratic public rule over the homeland.

The PkNAP chairman stressed the need for unity among all democratic and nationalist political forces to overcome the current crisis, safeguard national existence, protect resources, and defend regional peace and sovereignty. He concluded by saying that the national movement can no longer afford mistakes and urged organized struggle from the platform of Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party.

At the end of the meeting, prominent tribal and political families from Pishin announced their joining of Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party.