Pakhtun Qaumi Jirga Proposes Unarmed ‘Pashtun Milli Lashkar’ to Safeguard Communities
The Pakhtun Qaumi Jirga has proposed the creation of a “Pashtun Milli Lashkar,” an unarmed youth force aimed at protecting Pashtun communities across the region.
The jirga, which concluded after three days of discussions, recommended that each district and political party contribute 3,000 youth to the Lashkar as a local defense mechanism.
Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), made the announcement at the closing session, highlighting the need for collective community defense. Pashteen also proposed the formation of a committee to oversee the extraction of natural resources across the Pashtun belt, which stretches from Quetta to Kohistan and Chitral. The committee would ensure that local resources are utilized for the benefit of the Pashtun people and prevent exploitation by external entities.
Pashteen further addressed the situation in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban-led government to lift the ban on girls’ education. “The Afghan government must allow women to receive education,” he said, stressing the importance of education for the future of the region.
The issue of extortion was also a key topic, with Pashteen assuring attendees that no Pashtun would be forced to pay extortion money. He emphasized that any individual facing threats would have the full support of the jirga, advocating for collective action against coercion.
Pashteen also called for the removal of unnecessary trade restrictions at major border points, including Torkham, Nawapass, Chaman, and Angoor Adda, demanding free trade for Pashtuns without bureaucratic hindrances.
While various political figures attended the jirga, they largely engaged with participants in smaller group discussions rather than addressing the entire gathering. However, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mushtaq Ahmad Khan declared that the jirga would now serve as the primary decision-making body for matters concerning the Pashtun people.
The jirga concluded with a commitment to compile and formalize the proposals discussed, signaling a significant step toward the pursuit of Pashtun rights and autonomy.