Pashtun revolutionary singer Shaukat Aziz, along with activists Chhera Maseed and Nasir Khan, has been released from Haripur jail after spending a month behind bars. The trio was arrested by police in Dera Ismail Khan during the Pashtun Qaumi Adalat Jirga campaign, which sought to address the grievances of the Pashtun community.
Their release highlights a moment of relief for these prominent voices in the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), yet it comes amid a broader crackdown on Pashtun activists. Notably, PTM leader Ali Wazir and hundreds of other members remain incarcerated under the controversial 3MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) Act, which has been used for stifling dissent and curbing legitimate political activism.
The ongoing Punjabi Pak Army repression against Pashtun rights activists underscores a troubling pattern of force and excesses. The Pak Army’s heavy-handed approach not only reveals its unwillingness to engage with the legitimate demands of the Pashtun people but also serves to galvanize their resolve. As more Pashtuns become weary of systemic oppression, they are increasingly poised to claim their rights through steadfast struggle.