Noab Ayaz Khan Jogizai Calls for Unity Among Pashtuns to Defend Their Rights in Face of State Injustice
Quetta:The Central Secretary of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogizai, addressed a two-day joint public jirga in Quetta Division, where he expressed deep concern over the plight of the Pashtun people in the region and criticized the government’s policies. He emphasized that political interference and state oppression have worsened the situation in Balochistan, leading to widespread injustice.
In his speech, Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogizai stated, **”When the United Nations was founded, the number of countries was fewer than a hundred, but today, there are many new nations that have emerged through their struggle for independence. Pakistan too, due to its internal injustices and oppression, has been divided into two parts, and Bangladesh, which was once part of Pakistan, is now stronger politically and economically.”**
He further remarked, **”Pakistan has isolated itself due to continuous political interference. The region is once again becoming a battleground for global powers. The Pashtuns, who have already suffered for forty years during the Soviet-Afghan war, will again face the brunt of the new conflict between China and the US.”** He warned that if the current rulers did not change their approach, they would face destruction, and the consequences would be devastating for everyone, not just Pashtuns.
Jogizai pointed out the widespread deprivation of Pashtuns’ rights, saying, **”Pashtuns are not poor by God’s will; they have been given control over some of the richest mineral resources in the world. Yet, our youth continue to work as laborers abroad, and those who stay behind are subjected to work that others refuse. The resources of our land are being exploited by others, while we remain silent.”**
He also criticized the lack of unity among Pashtun tribes, stressing, **”The unity of Pashtuns is essential. Our land is being exploited by outsiders, yet we fail to stand up for our own rights.”** He called for Pashtuns to unite and protect their resources, stating, **”We must now take matters into our own hands, as the courts and authorities are no longer providing justice.”**
Addressing the issue of the Chaman Master Plan, Jogizai criticized the lack of funding for the second phase of the project, which he stated was meant to benefit the people of Chaman. He said, **”Dr. Hamid Khan Achakzai’s vision for the Chaman Master Plan was a monumental step for the people, but due to vested interests, the budget for its second phase has not been allocated, which is an act of hostility toward the people of Chaman.”**
Jogizai concluded by urging the Pashtun people to take action, saying, **”It is time for us to change our situation ourselves. We must take steps to secure our rights and build a better future for our people.”**
