Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga Ke 22 Mutalbat

The “Pashtun National Jirga,” organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (now banned), became controversial even before its commencement in Khyber District. Initially, the federal government imposed a ban on the PTM, the organization holding the Jirga. The notification stated that this organization is involved in anti-state activities and receives foreign funding, causing issues for law and order.

It would have been appropriate if the details of the allegations in the notification had been disseminated through the media for public benefit so that people could understand how significant and accurate the evidence presented regarding the allegations is.

Before proceeding, let me mention that when a senior government official was asked whether the police action taken during the preparations for the Jirga was occurring on the federal government’s orders, their response was, “Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the provincial government. If an organization that has been banned holds an illegal gathering within provincial boundaries, it is the provincial government’s duty to uphold the rule of law.”

For nearly three days, the police continued their actions at the site of the Pashtun National Jirga. The provincial government repeatedly absolved itself of responsibility for this action, blaming the federal government. Then, suddenly, after a meeting and negotiations between Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and PTM officials, the Chief Minister announced that the provincial government would host the Jirga.

Following reports of three to four individuals being killed during the actions of the provincial police force, the provincial government maintained complete silence. However, this police action politically, morally, and socially benefited the PTM as many responsible individuals and youth from both nationalist and federalist parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa actively participated in the Jirga.

During the Pashtun National Jirga, speeches were also delivered by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Manzoor Pashteen, and various other political leaders. All the speakers expressed a unified message: they are united for establishing peace in the province, securing provincial rights, achieving social and economic stability, and addressing other issues.

Some “stars” of central Punjab’s intelligentsia are quite upset about the holding of the Pashtun National Jirga and the 22-point declaration. Discussions between Punjabi intellectuals and Pashtuns on various social media sites, particularly “X” (Twitter), turned into exchanges of insults within hours. The way both sides spoke about the sacred relationships between humans reflects their domestic upbringing as well as the general attitudes in our society.

Some allegations against the PTM have been made by the federal government of Pakistan, while some of its opponents, particularly individuals from Punjab, have also leveled charges. Recall that in the past, the ISPR also held an extensive press conference.

Before getting into counter-allegations, debates, and head-scratching over facts, let’s sequentially read the 22 points (demands) issued in the concluding session of the three-day “Pashtun National Jirga” to facilitate further discussion and reflection (if time permits).

The 22-point declaration of the Pashtun National Jirga states:

1. An office of the Pashtun nation will be established at the location of the Jirga.
2. The military and terrorist organizations must leave our area (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) within two months.
3. If the military and terrorist organizations do not leave within two months, the Jirga will decide how to expel these forces.

4. Details regarding the resources of Pashtun land will be compiled.
5. The Jirga has decided to prepare a team of lawyers for legal action against those who occupy the lands of martyrs.
6. Electricity will be provided free in tribal areas and at 5 rupees per unit in urban areas, with connections from other provinces cut off in case of load shedding.
7. All trade routes on the Durand Line will be restored according to old laws.
8. A committee will be established to resolve issues between all tribes to work towards peace.

9. In cases of discrimination against Pashtuns in other provinces, the national Jirga will stand with the affected Pashtuns.
10. The national Jirga has decided that Pashtuns will no longer pay extortion to anyone.
11. All IDPs will be repatriated to their native areas through the Jirga.
12. The Pashtun National Jirga has decided that the social contract (the Constitution of Pakistan) will be annulled.

13. Under the current Constitution of Pakistan, the military cannot participate in politics.
14. The pure profit generated from electricity produced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be immediately allocated to the province.
15. The Jirga has decided that natural gas and water will be provided to all Pashtuns.
16. The government should restore blocked identity cards; otherwise, all Pashtuns will return their identity cards.

17. If anyone takes action against someone based on the Jirga, the national Jirga will respond severely.
18. All political prisoners should be released.
19. The Action and Civil Power Law should be repealed.
20. Public gatherings will be held in all districts on the coming Sunday (October 20) in support of these demands.
21. The Pashtun National Jirga demands that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa present a bill in the provincial assembly to secure approval for all these demands.
22. A judicial commission should be established for all martyrs to investigate what the truth of the incidents was.

After reading the declaration at the Pashtun National Jirga, an oath was also administered to all participants.

Some points in the 22 demands of the Pashtun National Jirga are indeed important and deserve attention. A judicial commission should be formed to investigate all incidents of terrorism (of all kinds) so that the complete truth can come to light.

The pure profit from the natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially electricity and natural gas, should be provided to the province. The province and the federation should sit together to decide on the procedure regarding the due amounts.

The demand for the release of political prisoners is valid, but it is essential to establish an investigative commission to understand the reality of cases concerning political prisoners, terrorists, or individuals arrested on allegations of facilitating terrorists and working on foreign agendas.

Most of the blocked identity cards were illegally obtained by Afghan citizens, and the PTM should clarify this demand with proper details.

The Pashtun National Jirga announced in its declaration, “From this day onwards, the social contract is annulled.” Then, to whom were the 22 demands directed, and the assembly from which the demands were to be presented as a bill also exists under that very social contract.

In the next breath, it was said that under the current constitution, the military cannot participate in politics. This is absolutely correct; the military, like any government employee, is not allowed to partake in political activities.

In conclusion, it would have been appropriate to engage in dialogue among various Pashtun circles before giving form to the 22 demands of the Pashtun National Jirga. Moreover, rather than displaying cheap patriotism in response to these demands, discussions should focus on those responsible for creating the environment for these demands.