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Akhtar Mengal slams Pak Army for harassing BNP party members & families

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), has said Pakistan Army backed- agencies are harassing his family members and party senators, underscoring the persistent persecution faced by Baloch leaders. In a post on the social media platform X, Mengal said that despite his resignation from the Assembly, the harassment by these agencies has not ceased.

“Even after my resignation, the agencies continued to harass my two senators and family members. The only option I have left is to demand the senators’ resignations. You [the occupied-state] have left us with no other path,” Mengal said.

Mengal revealed that he resigned from the Assembly due to the occupied-government’s exploitative treatment of Pak-occupied-Balochistan, marking yet another chapter in the province’s long struggle against systemic neglect and repression. “I stepped down because of the way this occupied-government and those in power have treated POB,” he explained, signaling frustration with Islamabad’s continued betrayal of its promises.

This public denunciation highlights the entrenched colonial mindset of Paki establishment towards POB. Despite participating in electoral politics, Baloch leaders, including Mengal, are increasingly marginalized through surveillance, intimidation, and targeted harassment.

The military establishment, which has maintained an iron grip on POB since its forced annexation in 1948, continues to suppress nationalist movements through disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political interference. Mengal’s resignation is emblematic of the deepening rift between Baloch leaders and the Pak Army-occupied- state, where participation in mainstream politics offers little relief from military-backed oppression.

BLF executes 17 Pak Army & death squad personnel in Barkhan operation

The spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), Major Gwahram Baloch, issued a statement to the media, saying that 17 personnel from the Pakistan Army and allied death squads were killed, with several others wounded, during an operation in Barkhan. The BLF paid tribute to their fallen comrade, Imran Lango, also known as Marine, who belonged to an allied organization and was martyred in the operation.

According to the spokesperson, on the night of September 21, BLF sarmachars attacked a military post and a mobile tower in the Uchri area of Barkhan. The fighters set the tower and its equipment on fire. Immediately after the attack, death squad members rushed to the scene and began indiscriminate firing.

A group from the armed death squads pursued the BLF fighters, unaware that the fighters had already prepared an ambush.

Major Gwahram further explained that these occupied-state-backed death squads have been patrolling the area for a long time, engaging in extortion and harassing the Baloch population. The BLF attack on the Army post and mobile tower aimed to disrupt the activities of these squads, operating under the leadership of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and his brother Aftab Bugti. The goal was to drive them out of their secure zones and punish them for their extortion, which the BLF have successfully achieved.

The spokesperson said that after the operation, the fighters strategically waited at a secure location for the death squad members to pursue them. As expected, the squads followed, only to be ambushed by the waiting fighters.

Barkhan Operation

The confrontation began on the night of September 21 and continued into September 22. During the clash, 11 death squad members were killed, with many others injured, including Aftab Bugti, the brother of Sarfraz Bugti. Another skirmish took place on September 23, in which one more death squad member was killed. On September 24, two more death squad personnel were killed in a separate encounter.

The statement highlighted the involvement of fighters from allied groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), who supported the BLF fighters throughout the operation. After completing the operation, the fighters retreated to a safe hideout. However, on September 27, Pak forces and death squads attempted to surround the fighters in the Chathri Gorchani area, leading to another clash. In this engagement, three more security personnel were killed, but the BLA fighter Imran Lango, known as Marine, was martyred. The organization expressed deep respect and tribute for his sacrifice.

Major Gwahram Baloch described Imran Lango as a brave and patriotic warrior who had been part of the BLA for the past year and a half. He successfully blocked the enemy’s path, ensuring the safe escape of his comrades. Following the principle of “the last bullet,” he fought until the end and embraced martyrdom.

The spokesperson criticized Sarfraz Bugti, accusing him of trying to frame the BLF operation as a tribal conflict by aligning the Musuri Bugti tribe with the death squads. The BLF urged the Musuri Bugti tribespeople to distance themselves from Sarfraz Bugti and his associates, warning against becoming complicit in their crimes. The BLF emphasized that its fight is for the liberation of Balochistan and is not directed against any individual or tribe. However, any group or individual, Baloch or non-Baloch, collaborating with the occupying Pakistan military or intelligence agencies, will be treated as an enemy.

Major Gwahram Baloch concluded by asserting that the BLF fighters draw their strength from the people. He emphasized that the success of every BLF operation is made possible through public support, expressing confidence that, with continued public backing, Balochistan will achieve independence.

Unknown men abduct two girls amid deteriorating security scene in POB

In a grim reminder of the deteriorating security situation in POB, two young girls, aged between 8 and 23, were reportedly abducted by unknown individuals in a car from Faisal Colony, Dalbandin. Family members confirmed that the kidnappers used an unmarked vehicle to carry out the abduction. Police and Levies forces have launched a search operation, setting up checkpoints, and one of the girls has been recovered. However, the other girl remains missing, with no clear leads on the motive behind the abduction.

The motives behind the abduction are still unclear, raising concerns about whether this is yet another case of organized crime, trafficking, or targeted violence—patterns that have become disturbingly common in POB. The region is no stranger to incidents of abductions, with local families often finding themselves helpless against such crimes, in which the occupied-state acts as the conspirator.

Reportedly, the girls’ father is of Afghan origin, suggesting that the incident might also have ethnic or political undertones, given the tensions surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

This is not something new. In the past, there was the heart-wrenching plea of a Baloch mother from Dalbandin, begging for the return of her young 14 year old daughter, who had been taken by FC personnel in uniform. In another horrifying case, elderly Ghulam Muhammad, who was threatened by Pakistan Army-backed death squads, expressed his helplessness: “If the government fails to protect my 7 year old daughter, I am compelled to hang myself at Dalbandin Square.”

This latest incident fits into the broader pattern of kidnappings, forced conversions, and targeted violence that have plagued POB. Minorities, refugees, and vulnerable families are frequently caught in the crosshairs of criminal elements or Army-backed groups.

BNM’s Dr. Naseem Baloch asserts Sindhi & Baloch fight is for liberation, not rights

In a powerful address at the 36th International Conference on Sindh, organized by the World Sindhi Congress, Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), dismissed the narrative of human rights in Pakistan’s occupied regions. He emphasized that both the Sindhi and Baloch people’s struggle is not about securing basic rights but achieving complete national freedom from Pakistan’s oppressive rule.

“Human rights are meaningless for enslaved nations,” Dr. Baloch said. “Talking about rights under the chains of oppression is nothing more than a deception. Our fight, like Sindh’s, is for liberation, not the illusion of justice from a system designed to exploit.”

Exposing Pakistan’s Brutality

Dr. Baloch asserted that despite the immense suffering endured by Sindh and Balochistan, hope remains alive, and resistance is growing. “The world can now see Pakistan’s naked repression,” he said. “A state that resorts to violence reveals its fear—fear of a people who might appear suppressed but have, in truth, defeated the military’s psychological control. When voices rise, and resistance takes root in the public consciousness, that itself is our victory.”

He highlighted the growing defiance in both regions, as people continue to come forward, shattering the narrative of occupied-state invincibility. “Resistance is no longer limited to isolated fighters—it has become part of the people’s psyche.”

The BNM chief dismissed recent suggestions of a new social contract with Pakistan, calling it a ploy by senior politicians to maintain the status quo. “Some politicians, particularly in Sindh, are promoting the idea of a new social contract, but this is merely a tactic to prolong exploitation. We must reject this deceit and teach our people that no meaningful change is possible within a system of slavery. True change comes only with freedom and sovereignty.”

Dr. Baloch called for practical unity between oppressed nations, urging them to align their actions rather than relying on empty rhetoric. “Unity lies in practice. When our goals are clear and our actions synchronized, we will naturally share each other’s burdens and victories.”

Occupiers Never Bring Progress

Drawing comparisons with colonial history, Dr. Baloch dismantled the myth that occupation brings development. “If occupiers could bring progress, why didn’t Britain—one of the most advanced societies in science and modernity—develop India? The truth is, no oppressor has ever developed a subjugated nation.”

He warned that freedom will come at a high cost, but the path must be taken. “Europe, too, did not achieve freedom without crossing rivers of blood. Unfortunately, we must brace ourselves to do the same. We will suffer more and scream louder, for our enemy is more savage—a military establishment that commits genocide under the guise of religious duty.”

Dr. Baloch criticized the cultural erosion inflicted by Paki establishment, pointing to how Sindh and Pak-occupied-Balochistan have been manipulated to see their own citizens as minorities. “Before Pakistan’s creation, there were no minorities in these lands. A Hindu or a follower of any other faith was an equal citizen in their homeland. Today, under Pakistan’s influence, even we refer to them as minorities—a mindset we must reject.”

Dr. Naseem Baloch’s address serves as yet another powerful reminder of the growing resistance against Pakistan’s colonial tactics in Sindh and POB. His speech resonated with the core message that neither Sindh nor POB seeks mere reforms but complete freedom from an Army that thrives on violence and religious fanaticism.

Baloch freedom fighters set ablaze heavy machinery at Kalat construction site

Armed men attacked a construction site in the Mahlebi area of Kalat district, setting fire to heavy machinery used in road development. The attack took place at Marjan, where equipment, including a crushing plant, was destroyed by the men.

The attackers detained company personnel during the raid, torching all heavy machinery on-site. After completing the attack, they released the workers unharmed and fled the area.

Despite the scale of the incident, local officials have yet to release any statement about the attack. Such silence reflects the occupied-state’s inability—or unwillingness—to acknowledge the growing hostility against these projects, which are often carried out for Paki establishment’s interests.

This attack aligns with a broader pattern of Baloch freedom fighters targeting infrastructure projects that are tools of Pak Army exploitation. While Islamabad markets these initiatives as “development projects,” they actually serve military purposes, tightening control over the province. The road networks, in particular, facilitate the Pakistan Army’s movement and operations against local populations, enabling further repression.

Baloch Resistance Against ‘Military Development’

These projects are colonial extensions meant to exploit Pak-occupied-Balochistan’s resources while marginalizing its people. Development initiatives in Pak-occupied-Balochistan, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), are benefiting the military and foreign interests at the cost of local livelihoods. Roads built under these projects enable the movement of military convoys, and increasing surveillance.

The Pakistan Army’s ‘development narrative’ has failed to win over local support, as such projects offer no meaningful benefits to the Baloch population. Instead, they further the military’s grip on the region, escalating tensions. With enforced disappearances, kill-and-dump operations, and military crackdowns becoming routine, these attacks are acts of defiance in an occupied land.

No group has formally claimed responsibility for this particular attack yet. However, the Baloch nationalist movement has been consistent in opposing such projects, as these are instruments of subjugation. For them, the destruction of construction sites is a necessary resistance against Islamabad’s colonial ambitions, signaling that freedom, not false development, is the only acceptable future for Balochistan.

Israel strikes in north Lebanon, kills 21 amid Hezbollah militia conflict

Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon on Monday, with airstrikes killing at least 21 people in the country’s north. Health officials reported that the strike targeted a house in the Christian-majority town of Aitou, which was housing displaced families. Eight others were injured, adding to the toll of a conflict that has escalated sharply over the past weeks.

As tensions surged, millions of Israelis sought shelter from cross-border projectiles fired by Hezbollah. The Israeli military reported that 115 projectiles from Lebanon were intercepted or landed within Israeli territory on Monday, although no casualties were reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to target Hezbollah “without mercy” across Lebanon, including Beirut.

UN Expresses Concern

The U.N. Security Council issued a statement expressing concern after several peacekeeping posts came under fire amid the clashes. Tensions between Israel and UNIFIL, the U.N. peacekeeping force stationed in southern Lebanon, have escalated. U.N. officials reported that Israeli tanks breached a UNIFIL base on Sunday.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti reaffirmed that the peacekeeping mission would remain in place, stating, “We are staying … under a Security Council mandate. It is essential to maintain an international presence.”

Netanyahu denied allegations that Israeli forces deliberately targeted peacekeepers, suggesting instead that Hezbollah exploits U.N. positions to launch attacks. “Israel regrets any harm to UNIFIL personnel,” Netanyahu said, but urged peacekeepers to temporarily leave conflict zones to ensure their safety.

Israel Orders Evacuation, Hezbollah Responds with Drone Strikes

In response to intensifying skirmishes, Israel ordered the evacuation of 25 villages in southern Lebanon, instructing residents to move north of the Awali River, 60 kilometers from the Israeli border. On Sunday, four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah drone attack near a military base in central Israel.

Israeli forces escorted foreign journalists into southern Lebanon, showing them a Hezbollah tunnel shaft located less than 200 meters from a U.N. post, along with weapons caches. “This is a Hezbollah military base hidden under U.N. cover,” claimed Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin. Israel’s military reports that it has destroyed multiple Hezbollah tunnels, rocket launchers, and command posts in recent operations.

The conflict has further expanded to northern Gaza, where Israeli strikes killed 10 Palestinians queuing for food in Jabalia, according to Palestinian medics. Meanwhile, fears of a broader regional conflict loom large as Iran, a backer of both Hezbollah and Hamas, remains on high alert. Speculation grows over a potential Israeli retaliation for an October 1 missile barrage from Iran, heightening tensions across the Middle East.

Punjab (Pak) police assault students protesting for justice in Punjab college rape case

The brutal crackdown by Punjab police on students protesting an alleged rape at a private college in Gulberg has left at least 28 injured, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about the Paki authority’s handling of the incident. The protest, triggered by reports that a security guard raped a female student, has been met with denials, conflicting narratives, and outright repression.

While provincial officials initially dismissed the rape allegations as “false claims circulating on social media,” Punjab’s Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat contradicted the narrative by promising justice to the protesting students. This inconsistency reflects the deepening confusion among authorities, who appear more concerned with damage control than addressing the students’ grievances.

A Potential Cover-Up

The incident took a darker turn as Punjab police unleashed violence to disperse students, chasing them into nearby shopping plazas and residences, and beating them mercilessly with batons. Videos circulating on social media show riot police storming the campus and attacking students who were demanding a fair investigation into the rape allegations.

The students claimed that the college administration attempted to cover up the incident by deleting CCTV footage, raising further suspicions about the involvement of higher authorities. However, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari denied the occurrence of any rape, stating that police inquiries found no evidence. Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran echoed this denial, claiming the allegations were fabricated to incite unrest.

Despite these dismissals, Education Minister Rana Hayat visited the campus and assured students of action against the administration if it was proven that recordings were tampered with. Footage of Hayat standing among students and ordering police to halt their brutal crackdown circulated widely, reinforcing concerns over the authority’s inconsistent approach to the situation.

Government Involvement and State Complicity

The violent police response mirrors a pattern of repression familiar in Pakistan, where authorities frequently resort to brute force to suppress dissent. Just as the Pakistan Army has routinely silenced voices of dissent in Pak-occupied-Balochistan with violence, Punjab’s police acted with similar brutality against these young protesters, further eroding public trust in state institutions.

The Punjabi Army backed-government’s response reveals a deeply entrenched alliance between the college administration, law enforcement, and political elites. The fact that the college in question belongs to a powerful PML-N figure, Mian Amir, shows an orchestrated cover-up, underscoring how power dynamics often determine the pursuit—or obstruction—of justice in Pakistan.

The students have vowed to continue their protests until a transparent inquiry is conducted. They also called for a boycott of Punjab College, demanding parents withdraw their children to pressure the administration and government into taking the allegations seriously.

Probe Committee Formed Amid Public Outrage

In response to growing public outrage, the puppet government announced the formation of a “high-powered” committee to investigate the alleged rape. Led by the chief secretary, the committee includes top officials from education, home, and health departments. However, skepticism remains high, with many fearing the probe is merely a delaying tactic to diffuse public anger without delivering justice.

Despite official attempts to downplay the incident, the unfolding events highlight the systemic rot within Pakistan’s institutions, where the powerful operate with impunity while ordinary citizens—especially students—face repression.

Baloch leader Mahrang takes legal action against Karachi police’s harassment & theft

Prominent Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch filed a petition in the Sindh High Court on October 14 for the recovery of her stolen passport and mobile phone, which were seized under suspicious circumstances at Karachi Airport on October 8. Accompanied by her legal counsel Advocate Jibran Nasir, Dr. Baloch demanded accountability from law enforcement, exposing the occupied-state’s attempts to harass and intimidate Baloch voices through theft and false charges.

The court has issued notices to SSP and SHO Malir, directing them to recover the stolen items and present them before the court by October 21.

https://twitter.com/MJibranNasir/status/1845807728234578217

Dr. Mahrang also revealed that the Sindh High Court had dismissed a false FIR filed against her by Karachi police on October 13. The FIR, designed to harass and discredit her, was quashed after the court found the allegations baseless upon reviewing solid evidence.

The court further ruled that Dr. Mahrang must not be subjected to any form of harassment by officials in the future, a significant legal victory amid growing occupied-state oppression.

Harassment of Baloch activists continues unchecked

The incident underscores Pakistan’s increasing use of legal tools and police harassment to suppress Baloch activists and intimidate those who challenge the regime’s oppressive tactics. Dr. Mahrang’s ordeal is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of Pak Army-sponsored repression. Baloch activists, whether in Karachi, Quetta, or abroad, face continuous harassment, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the confiscation of personal property by security forces.

The theft of her passport and phone at Karachi Airport is a calculated move to disrupt her activism and isolate her further. However, Dr. Mehrang’s swift legal action and the court’s favorable response signal the growing resistance to such tactics.

This case adds to the mounting evidence of how Paki establishment uses fabricated cases and harassment to maintain control over oppressed communities, especially in Pak-occupied-Balochistan. The court’s intervention may be a temporary reprieve, but activists fear the machinery of intimidation will continue unless the Paki establishment is held accountable for its colonial-style repression.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: TTP attack on police station kills 25 Pak personnel

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Monday attacked a Pakistani police station in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) killing 25 Pakistani policemen. However, Pakistan forces claim only four soldiers have died in TTP attack. Meanwhile, three terrorists have also been killed in the cross firing.

Heavy firing was heard during the encounter in nearby areas. The attack comes ahead of the high-octane SCO Meeting, showcasing Pakistan’s capabilities to organise such events.

Additionally, once again, TTP proved that Pakistan is unable to control the demons it unleashed. Initially, it provided space for the TTP, which seized the opportunity to grow so significantly that even the Pakistan Army is now struggling to contain it. The TTP began merging smaller factions into its organization in 2020, and since then, over 60 smaller terrorist groups have joined its ranks, making it nearly unbreakable.

Additionally, the TTP appears to be receiving back-channel support from the Afghan Taliban.

However, according to Pashtun organizations, there is a belief that the Pakistan Army and the TTP are colluding in these staged escalations, enabling Pakistan to secure foreign aid by presenting a front of fighting terrorism

Pashtuns call TTP, Pak Army ti vacate Pakhtunkhwa

Regardless, the Pashtuns are the ones facing the ultimate consequences. Their resources, including crude oil, gas, and emeralds, are exploited by the Pakistani establishment, while they are left to live in poverty and labeled as terrorist sympathizers for raising their voices.

The timing and nature of this blast also raise suspicions, as the Pashtuns as a nation are undergoing significant changes. They have organized a local jirga and issued a directive for Pakistani forces, the ISI, and the TTP to withdraw from Pakhtunkhwa within 60 days.

The TTP attack will provide another excuse for the Pak Army to continue operations and maintain control over the region for as long as they want. It also gives them a free hand to silence any dissenting voices under the pretext of fighting terrorism, as they have always done.

Manzoor Pashteen warns Pak Army to leave Pashtun land within 60 days or else

The three-day Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, chaired by Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, concluded with a powerful 20-point resolution, exposing the Punjabi Pak Army’s oppressive control on Pashtun land and people. Thousands of Pashtun leaders, tribal elders, and activists attended the Jirga, where demands were made for an end to military interference, exploitation of natural resources, and suppression of Pashtun voices.

Pashteen launched a scathing critique of Pakistan’s colonial-era legal system and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from Pashtun regions. Pashteen said that the Punjabi Pak Army elites are ruling with the same oppressive laws used by the British to suppress the people of these lands, leaving no space for reform or justice.

“The current laws are those imposed by the British rulers, designed to control an occupied population. Today, those same laws remain intact, serving as tools of repression by the military establishment,” Pashteen told the gathering of tribal elders, political leaders, and activists. He added, “Even former Prime Ministers admitted that the laws passed by Parliament were drafted not in Islamabad but in Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ).”

Jirga Demands the Removal of Pak Occupying Forces

The resolution boldly called for the eviction of all occupying forces—whether in uniform or not—within 60 days, reflecting growing frustration with the military’s control over the region. The participants vowed to reclaim occupied lands, recover missing persons, and secure justice for martyrs through legal channels.

Pashteen called for the complete removal of the Pakistan Army and Taliban factions from Pashtun regions, holding both responsible for the chaos and insecurity plaguing the area. “It is time for this Jirga to decide: both the military and Taliban—whether labeled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’—must leave, for they are the root cause of unrest,” he said, directly challenging the establishment’s policy of using proxy militants to maintain control over strategic areas.

This is not the first time the PTM has exposed the toxic nexus between the military and extremist groups. Activists have raised voice against the Pakistan Army for sheltering militants to further its strategic interests while branding dissenters as terrorists.

Declare the Pak Army and Intelligence Agencies as Terrorist Organizations

In a daring move, Pashteen urged the Jirga to officially declare the Pakistan Army, ISI, Military Intelligence (MI), and both factions of the Taliban as terrorist organizations. “These forces do not serve the people—they terrorize them. The Pashtun community must collectively recognize them for what they are: enemies of peace,” Pashteen said.

The PTM has long protested against the Punjabi military establishment for orchestrating violence to control the region, using enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and intimidation tactics to silence dissent.

Economic Boycott of Exploitative Practices

In a show of defiance, the Jirga announced that no resident would pay more than five rupees per unit for electricity. Participants warned that if power was cut or load shedding continued, they would dismantle the power transmission infrastructure—a direct strike against the occupied-state’s failure to provide basic services while squeezing citizens for exorbitant bills.

Rejection of the Durand Line as a Border

The resolution demands free movement across the Durand Line without passports or visas, challenging Pakistan’s use of borders as a tool to isolate and control Pashtuns. The call for unrestricted cross-border movement exposes the colonial nature of the border, imposed by the British and sustained by the Paki establishment to fragment Pashtun unity.

Pashteen also addressed the contentious issue of the Durand Line, which the Paki establishment enforces as a border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He rejected its legitimacy, saying, “The Durand Line has no legal or official status for the Pashtun people. It was drawn to divide us, and we must resist it. Trade and movement should be restored as they once were, with no artificial boundaries separating us.”

This statement aligns with the long-standing grievances of Pashtuns on both sides of the border, as the Durand Line is a colonial imposition that disrupts cultural and familial ties.

Land Disputes

A special Jirga committee will be formed to resolve land disputes in the Pashtun region through traditional dialogue.

Support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

All IDPs will decide the timing of their return, and the Jirga, along with the Pashtun community, will lead and support them.

End to Discrimination Against Pashtun Students

Discriminatory treatment of Pashtun students in Punjab, Sindh, and other federal areas must stop. If it continues, the Jirga and Pashtun leaders will travel to these areas to offer support.

Denouncing Military Extortion and Interference

The Jirga took a firm stance against extortion, declaring that no Pashtun would pay bribes or extortion money—whether demanded by uniformed officers or their civilian proxies. It promised collective action if any community member faced such harassment, signaling growing defiance against the military’s informal control networks.

Demand for a New Social Contract

In a direct challenge to the Paki establishment, the Jirga declared the existing constitution a failure and demanded a new social contract that reflects the will of the Pashtun people. This call questions the legitimacy of Pakistan’s current political structure, which has long marginalized ethnic minorities and handed disproportionate power to the Punjabi military elite.

Release of Political Prisoners and Repeal of Black Laws

The Jirga condemned the use of military courts and internment centers, demanding their immediate abolition. It also called for the repeal of the draconian Action in Aid of Civil Power law, which grants sweeping powers to the military in tribal areas. The participants demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners, including those detained during the Jirga sessions.

End to Colonial Exploitation of Resources

The resolution demanded that Pashtun lands be granted control over natural gas resources, as per Article 158 of the constitution, and called for the enforcement of the 1991 Indus Water Treaty to ensure equitable access to water. These demands highlight how the military and state have exploited natural resources while denying benefits to local communities.

Challenging Social Injustice

The Jirga took steps toward dismantling outdated practices, announcing the abolition of “Swara,” the exchange of women to settle disputes. It also demanded that Afghan girls be allowed access to education, aligning with broader regional struggles for women’s rights.

Warning of Nationwide Protests

The Jirga declared that mass protests would be held next Sunday across district capitals to highlight the oppression of Pashtuns and pressure the state to meet their demands. Participants warned that any attempt by the occupied-Punjabi-authorities to obstruct or target those involved in the Jirga would provoke a strong response from the Pashtun community.

Critique of Pakistan’s Military and Establishment

The Jirga’s resolutions are a direct indictment of the Pakistan Army’s control over civilian matters and the broader establishment’s exploitation of marginalized communities. The demands for self-determination, resource control, and justice for victims of occupied-state violence reflect the growing disillusionment with a occupied-state that prioritizes Punjabi Pak Army dominance over the well-being of its citizens.

The message from the Jirga is: Pashtuns will no longer accept the status quo dictated by the Punjabi military.