Thousands Protest Over Extra Judicial Arrests And Killings In Pakistan

Naqeebullah Mehsud, an aspiring Pashtun model was reportedly murdered by Pakistani police early this month. The killing generated an uproar in the Pashtun community, sparking massive protest in Peshawar against “extrajudicial” killings and arrests.

Pashtuns, more popularly recognized as “Afghans,” reside in tribal regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite the lack of an official census since the early 70s, their global presence is estimated to be about 50 million.

The Pashtun people govern in a tribal-like system based on their interpretation of Islamic law, where all matters are upheld under “Pashtunwali.” The moral code operates under a hierarchy of elected elders, who enforce the likes of protection, coexistence, and family honour.

Pashtun people made up the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and historically took a large role in politics. They held a significant presence in Taliban groups until their collapse and the enactment of the Bonn Agreement in the early 2000s.

Since the change, Pashtuns lack representation in the new central government that is dominated by the Uzbeks and Tajiks of the Northern Alliance. In the most recent 2010 election, Pashtuns reportedly staged protests in reaction to allegations of intimidation and violence from the new government.

Though their representation is currently small, they still remain the largest ethnic group. With the increasing democratic government in both Afghanistan and Pakistan they could enable their power in numbers.

Angered by claimed mistreatment, the recent protest consisted of thousands of Pashtuns who blame the police and military for their injustices. The community rallied together, holding up signs of loved ones who recently disappeared or were killed without trace.

The Pashtun Protection Movement is predominately made up of the youth from the tribal community. The rally also consisted of member from Pakistani Non- Governmental Organizations and Civil Society, Al Jazeera’s Hasan Khan reports.

The Tribal Affairs specialist also noted that the rally was, “an emotional eruption,” started by the youth. The protestors seem to be keen on keeping the movement alive across their country to spread awareness of their oppression.

The rally surrounded around a list of demands from those fleeing violence on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Pashtun community is primarily seeking an arrest and convicted death penalty of the senior police officer involved in the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud. The model was reportedly not affiliated with any rebel groups.

A number of Pashtuns support the new government and deny that the rally was an anti-government protest. Along with Mehsud’s justice, the Pashtun demand an enforced end to the humiliation of their women and children by security forces at checkpoints and a clearing of landmines.

Kendall Rotar

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