The Stereotyping of Pashtuns:
The Misuse of the Word ‘Terrorist’
The Pashtun people, hailing from the northwest regions of Pakistan and the tribal agencies, are known worldwide for their unique culture, language, hospitality, and kindness. Despite enduring over 30 years of war, deprivation, and destruction, their warmth and generosity remain unmatched. Yet, these very people have been unfairly labeled as "terrorists" by both local and international powers, a stereotype that fuels their ongoing oppression.
For decades, the Pashtun regions have been denied even the most basic human facilities. There are no proper schools for their children, no hospitals for their sick, and no infrastructure to support daily life. Entire villages lie in ruins, destroyed by conflicts involving the Taliban, state armies, and foreign forces. More than 80,000 innocent Pashtuns have been killed, with countless others forcibly disappeared, leaving families torn apart and communities shattered.
Why Is the World Silent on Pashtun Suffering?
Enforced disappearances are a clear violation of human rights, a crime under international law. Yet, the UN and global superpowers remain disturbingly silent. One cannot help but wonder: Why is this happening? Why are Pashtuns, people known for their hospitality, being subjected to such relentless cruelty? What crime have they committed to deserve this?
The common, simplistic answer to these questions is that they are "terrorists." But let’s ask the real question: Who is the true terrorist—the one who is being mercilessly killed, disappeared, and deprived of basic human rights, or the one who kills innocent people for money, power, or political gain?
The Unjust Stereotyping of Pashtuns as Terrorists
Being a Pashtun, I am heartbroken by the world’s silence. We are unfairly branded as terrorists, but the reality is that the Pashtun people have been the primary victims of terrorism. Those who stand up for Pashtun rights, such as political leaders and activists, are often targeted, imprisoned, or even killed. Hundreds of Pashtun leaders have lost their lives simply for demanding justice and human rights for their people.
Why is the international media silent? Why is there a ban on discussing Pashtun oppression on global platforms? Is it because shedding light on these injustices would expose the ugly truths about those in power?
The Fight for Pashtun Rights:
The Legacy of Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Manzoor Pashteen
To understand the root of this oppression, it’s essential to look at history. Leaders like Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) and Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, the founder of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), have long fought for the rights of Pashtuns. Bacha Khan, a champion of nonviolent resistance, stood up to the British Empire and later the Pakistani state, advocating for Pashtun unity, dignity, and justice.
Manzoor Pashteen continues that struggle today, leading the PTM in its call for an end to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and military violence in Pashtun regions. His movement, however, faces violent crackdowns by the state, as those in power fear losing control over these mineral-rich regions.
The Role of Resources in Pashtun Oppression
The regions inhabited by Pashtuns are not just strategically located but are also rich in natural resources, including valuable minerals. It’s no secret that the conflict in these areas is deeply tied to the exploitation of these resources. Global and local powers have long sought control over these minerals, and the Pashtun people, standing in the way of unchecked exploitation, have suffered the consequences.
This struggle isn’t just about geopolitics; it’s a battle for survival, for dignity, and for the basic human rights that every Pashtun deserves.
A Call to Action: Standing Against Cruelty
The oppression of Pashtuns cannot be ignored any longer. It is our duty as human beings to stand up against this cruelty and demand justice for the thousands of innocent lives lost. Pashtuns deserve to be treated as humans, with the same rights to life, security, and dignity as anyone else in the world.
For too long, the Pashtun voices have been silenced. For too long, their suffering has been ignored. Now is the time to rise up, to tell the world about the injustices they face, and to fight for a future where Pashtuns are no longer persecuted for simply existing in a land rich in resources.
