On November 21, Pashtun political parties, tribal representatives, and the Pashtun Jirga will unite for a large-scale protest demonstration at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar. The demonstration aims to address pressing issues, including the escalating violence in the region, dollar war, and the release of political prisoners.
PTM activists emphasize that the protest represents the collective voice of Pashtuns, who have long suffered under the weight of exploitation and militarization in their lands. The “dollar war” is the regional instability perpetuated by the Punjabi Pak Army for financial aids and political gains, with innocent Pashtun communities bearing the brunt of the consequences.
The protest comes against the backdrop of broader grievances faced by Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances, militarized checkpoints, and the use of counterterrorism as a pretext for heavy-handed control over their territories. The region has also seen systematic extraction of resources and violence against peaceful activists and journalists, particularly members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
This demonstration is a significant moment of solidarity, as Pashtuns seek justice and accountability for decades of exploitation. Protesters are also demanding the release of political prisoners detained under dubious circumstances and an end to Pak Army-backed policies that have led to widespread violence and human rights abuses of Pashtuns.