Lahore: The long-march carried by the Pashtun community in the city of Lahore in Punjab district shocked Pakistan once again. The Pashtun community had taken to roads to appeal against the injustice meted out to the community by the Pakistani government and military. There have been demonstrations in other cities of Pakistan before this. But this time, the outbreak of discontent for the military was evident in these demonstrations. The Pakistani media have called this as an attempt to break Pakistan and have accused that India is responsible for it.
The Pashtun citizens criticised that the Pakistani military is responsible for harbouring terrorism, with the slogans- ‘This terrorism has support of the uniform’. These protests organised by the ‘Pashtun Tahfauz Movement’ were led by a 26 year old youth ‘Manzoor Pashteen’. The Pashtun community in the areas near the Afghanistan border has suffered excessive atrocities at the hands of the Pakistani army since 2001. Thousands of youth have been detained under the pretext of action against terrorism. Pakistani army has never revealed the fate of these youth. Manzoor Pashteen has alleged that the atrocities of the Pakistani army still continue.
This is an outbreak of discontent against Pakistan and the Pashtun community has taken to roads in several of the main cities of Pakistan to appeal against military atrocities. The Pakistani media had refused to cove these protests, but thousands of Pashtuns protesting on the streets of Lahore has shaken up the Pakistani Media along with the military. They have now begun to see this as a conspiracy to break Pakistan. The media has also alleged an Indian hand in this plan. Last week, the Pakistani Army Chief General, Bajwa took note of the protests and expressed a concern that these protests are a threat to Pakistan. The Pakistani media and the analysts are referring to this statement.
Manzoor Pashteen has refuted all these allegations and has made a counter allegation that these are all attempts to divert the attention from the injustice meted out to the Pashtun community over a period of time. Announcement has been made that larger protest will be conducted in the city of Karachi, on the 12th of May. This has made Pakistan even more restless. Analysts have expressed concern that if this situation continues, Pakistan will not remain a unified country. Prudent analysts are advising that the Pakistani army should correct its mistakes and should reveal details of the fate of the 3000 detained youth.
Related posts:
‘Jaish’ raising funds in Karachi in police presence for terror attacks in India
11 soldiers killed in terror attack in Kabul; Pakistani army’s involvement alleged
Russian military delegation on Pakistan visit
Afghanistan warns Pakistan for the Pak Army cross-border attacks on Afghanistan
India willing to talk only on terrorism with Pakistan
Afghan President criticizes pro-terrorism policies of Pakistan
Doubts persist on Pakistan and ISI for their role in the Bangladesh terror attack
