Khushal Khan Kakar: Pashtun Nation Deprived of Basic Rights Despite Mineral Wealth
Quetta:The Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP), Khushal Khan Kakar, expressed grave concern over the plight of the Pashtun nation despite the vast mineral wealth in their land. He pointed out that while the Pashtun region contributes billions of dollars annually through mineral resources, the people of the region remain deprived of basic human rights and essential services, even struggling for two meals a day.
In his address at a joining ceremony in the Killi Mian Khel area, where hundreds of individuals joined the PNAP under the leadership of Haji Abdul Malik Mian Khel, Khushal Khan Kakar emphasized that the current state system is deeply flawed. He accused both federal and provincial governments of being products of bribery, coercion, and electoral fraud, with leaders using purchased seats and ministries to serve their own interests.
Khushal Khan Kakar stated, “The system that has been imposed on our country is a web of conspiracies. Instead of serving the public, it exploits and oppresses them.” He condemned the rigged elections of February 2024, highlighting how billions were spent to buy seats in national and provincial assemblies, and how ministries were auctioned off. He further criticized the so-called development schemes, labeling them as a cover for rampant corruption and plundering by those in power.
He also drew attention to the stark contrast between the progress of the world and the suffering of the Pashtun people. “While the world has embraced modern education and scientific progress, our people are still stuck as laborers, suffering through painful journeys just to make a living,” he said. He emphasized that while the constitution claims to protect citizens’ rights and ensure access to basic facilities, the Pashtun people are continuously denied their fundamental rights, even the right to live with dignity.
Kakar reminded the gathering of the vast natural resources in Pashtun regions, stating that the copper reserves in Waziristan alone are worth over $6 trillion, while the Tarbela Dam produces 20 billion units of electricity annually. Despite this, the Pashtun people continue to face extreme poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment, all due to a lack of political autonomy and the dominance of one ethnic group over the others.
He called for unity and national solidarity, urging the Pashtun nation to continue its struggle for self-determination and to reject divisive behaviors that hinder progress. “We must adopt unity and political struggle based on democratic values, rejecting the negative approaches that divide us,” he said.
Khushal Khan Kakar also expressed gratitude for the large number of individuals joining the party, including elderly leaders and youth. He said their inclusion in the party had made PNAP the true representative of the Pashtun people. “The joining of these proud and determined individuals has turned Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party into the voice of the Pashtun nation,” he added.
The ceremony also saw the formation of an initial unit within the party, and the appointment of its executive members, including the swearing-in of Provincial Deputy Secretary, Rahmatullah Sabir. The event was attended by prominent party leaders including Muhammad Isa Roshan, Faqir Khushal Kasi, Rahmatullah Sabir, Haji Mohammad Ibrahim Isa Khel, Haji Abdul Malik Mian Khel, and Abdul Razzaq Khan Mehtarzai.
