Growing ethnic activism in KP is bizarrely disturbing on many accounts. Why do the so-called activists frequently try to paint a distorted picture of society by targeting the security institutions of Pakistan? The deflation of national unity is also inherent in all ethnically motivated verbal cannonades. Demagogues are trying to create a wedge between the state and the Pashtoon community by inflaming the economic and governance fault lines.
The Pashtun community is a vital part of Pakistan’s fabric, and the divisive tactics of ethnic pressure groups pose a significant threat to national cohesion and integrity. This trend is spreading rapidly in areas adjacent to the Afghanistan border. The issue of cross-border terrorism in these areas, under the banner of ‘Khwarij’, is more intricate. While Pakistan continues to battle terrorism and strive for peace in tribal areas, ironically, ethnic rhetoric overplayed by pressure groups (PDM and NDM) continues to serve the interests of hostile external powers.
Firebrand ethnic demagogues are striving hard to dent the national consensus against Indian-sponsored terrorist groups.
Pakistan has effectively countered the menace of terrorism by sacrificing over 83,000 lives, including civilians and soldiers. Many of the defenders belonging to non-Pashtoon ethnicities embraced martyrdom while defending the Pashtuns in areas like Waziristan, Swat, and Bajaur. Accusing Pakistani state institutions of human rights violations and oppression without credible evidence has become routine for groups like PTM. These dubious movements are thriving on support pouring in from non-transparent sources.
While benefiting from foreign funding and indulging in cross-border illicit activities, ethnic activists are significantly contributing to instability in Pashtun-majority areas. Obviously, populist misleading rants against the security institutions are a convenient method to shroud one’s own misdeeds by shifting all the blame to the state. The meaningful silence of ethnic leaders on attacks launched by hardcore terrorist groups, like TTP and BLA, is enough evidence to understand their misplaced priorities.
The question rightly arises: why do the so-called ethnic activists or well-wishers of Pashtuns refrain from calling out the terrorists who target both civilians and soldiers with impunity? The blatant reluctance of PTM and NDM leadership in condemning the cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a significant blot on their pro-Pashtun credentials. Ethnic movements are exploiting democratic freedoms to wage psychological warfare against state institutions, in total disregard for the multifaceted security challenges. Instead of constructive criticism, pressure groups have preferred the amplification of hostile narratives, which is an undeniable trivialization of the tremendous services of state institutions, especially the security forces and civilian law enforcement agencies.
In the post-Phalgam scenario, the so-called champions of human rights stood shamefully behind the Modi regime. The chief of NDM, a self-styled ethnic activist, openly supported the biased journalism of Sky News’ Afghan-origin anchor, Yalda Hakim. The preference for ethnic identity over truth triggered many questions regarding the overall scheme overplayed by the so-called anarchists. Surprisingly, ethno-lingual jugglers were least concerned about the Indian missiles landing in Pakistan. The alignment of ethnic groups’ narratives with anti-Pakistan quarters is a logical outcome of the regular funding received from non-transparent sources. During crucial phases of past counter-terrorism operations, ethnic groups made every effort to portray a bleak picture of the reconstruction efforts made by security forces, such as roads, schools, and hospitals in backward tribal areas.
Persistent dwelling on past grievances and absolute disregard for positive developments indicates an anti-state approach of any group. Pressure groups like PTM and NDM have nothing to offer in terms of solutions except misleading slogans laced with ethnic hatred. Pakistan belongs equally to all the communities, including the Pashtuns. All segments of society and security forces have consistently demonstrated unity in the war against the menace of terrorism. The state has never ignored the sacrifices made by Pashtuns to eliminate terrorism from KP. The deadly combination of ethnic activists and religiously motivated terrorists is fatal for the future of Pakistan. Firebrand ethnic demagogues are striving hard to dent the national consensus against Indian-sponsored terrorist groups.
The writer is a student.