By : Dr. Syed Akhtar Ali Shah.
The three-day grand gathering of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) held in Khyber brought to light the deep-rooted sentiments, grievances, and aspirations of the Pashtun youth. These were passionately expressed through their songs, speeches, and resolutions. Youth from every corner of the region flocked to the assembly, energized by poetry and eager to hear from their leaders. These leaders had painted a picture of a better tomorrow—a dream of liberation from oppression and the hope of being treated as equal citizens. This vision has captured the imagination of many and found expression in the movement’s pinnacle moment: the Grand Jirga.
A significant positive aspect of this phenomenon is the emergence of a new leadership, representing the working, lower, and middle classes. This new leadership has challenged the traditional elites, who are often tied to the status quo and are frequently lacking both courage and conviction. The leadership of this Jirga presents a fresh voice for the Pashtun community, offering hope and a renewed sense of agency to those who have long felt disenfranchised.
During the Jirga, participants discussed a variety of issues faced by the region, eventually adopting a 22-point resolution and demanding that the government act within two months. The primary demands included the withdrawal of both military forces and militants from the region, the repatriation of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the recovery of missing persons. “If this does not happen,” the Jirga warned, “then the Jirga will decide how to remove these elements.”
One of the focal points of the resolution was the call for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to receive its fair share in national resources, specifically in relation to net hydel profit. The Jirga asserted, “Electricity is a resource of Pakhtunkhwa and must be delivered without load-shedding.” They also demanded a reduction in electricity prices to Rs5 per unit, as opposed to the current rate of over Rs60 per unit, and called for the tribal areas to receive free electricity.
Additionally, the Jirga demanded that data on resources in Pashtun lands be collected and that a team of lawyers be formed to take legal action against land grabbers, particularly those who have occupied the lands of martyrs and missing persons. The Jirga also called for the Durand Line, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, to be opened for visa-free trade between the two countries. “Trade with Afghanistan should be allowed along the routes from Chaman to Dir,” they stated, warning that if this demand was not met, the Jirga would close the checkpoints along the Durand Line.
A more surprising element of the Jirga’s resolution was the relatively mild request to the Afghan government to allow women’s education. However, the Jirga expressed its commitment to resolving sectarian disputes, starting in the Kurram district. Other important demands included the abolition of military courts, the closure of internment centers, the release of political workers, and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate deaths and disappearances. Additionally, the Jirga proposed forming a mili lashkar (national militia) to combat militancy and resolve disputes in the region.
Throughout history, there have been two main approaches to addressing such movements and grievances. The first is a reactionary, knee-jerk response, which often exacerbates the situation. The second approach is more thoughtful, involving a deeper understanding of the issue and exploring the sources of inspiration that drive the younger generation..
The current situation must be understood in its full context. Years of neglect, the denial of fundamental rights, and repeated injuries to the Pashtun sense of honor have contributed to a profound crisis of governance.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge that Pashtun society has undergone significant changes. The region no longer operates under a purely tribal structure. Over time, Pashtun society has evolved into a nation-state with political parties, organizations, and assemblies. Today, the population is divided along party lines, and the growth of a money-based economy has led to the expansion of private property ownership, further breaking down the traditional social structures. Consequently, new institutions have emerged to resolve conflicts, making some older practices less relevant.
The practicality of the Jirga’s demands also warrants careful consideration. For instance, the call for visa-free trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, modeled after trade practices during the British colonial era, raises important questions. Does this demand imply a desire to return to a more primitive way of life, where the state does not provide essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure? If the people still expect these modern services, they must also be prepared to contribute by paying taxes.
Furthermore, the proposal to raise lashkars (militias) and resolve disputes through Jirgas may work in rural areas, but it is unlikely to be feasible for urban populations. That being said, if all parties to a dispute agree to resolve their issues through mutually accepted arbitrators, there is no harm in such an approach. However, it is essential to recognize that in modern society, there are more appropriate forums and mechanisms for resolving disputes and making public policy decisions.
Though some may dismiss the Jirga’s package of demands as impractical, the state must take them seriously before it is too late. The government must develop a new security model that earns the trust of the people. Trade routes with Afghanistan should be reopened, and steps must be taken to bring back internally displaced persons and provide for their rehabilitation. Electricity tariffs should be adjusted, following the model used in Azad Kashmir. A substantial portion of the revenue generated from the war on terror (such as the 1% of the National Finance Commission allocation) should be directed to the merged districts, based on damage assessments. The rule of law must be upheld, and job opportunities should be created for the region’s youth. Additionally, state-owned companies must refrain from monopolizing leases on local mines and minerals.
Now is the time for the government to win the hearts and minds of the Pashtun people and address their grievances. The people’s dreams of a better future must be realized, and it is incumbent upon the government to take meaningful steps toward that goal.
