War imposed on Balochs, Pakhtuns: Khpalwak

 

KABUL): Baloch and Pakhtun tribes are the worst sufferers of the war imposed on them, leaders from both sides said on Saturday, stressing stepped-up efforts for an end to the ongoing trail of murder and mayhem.

 

At a gathering marking the Pakhtun-Baloch Solidarity Day in Kabul, Minister of Tribal and Border Affairs Dr. Akram Khpalwak said the two communities living across the Durand Line had been the victim of cruelty.

 

Nearly 5,000 Pakhtun and Baloch elders have killed in the conflict in Pakistan so far, according to the minister, who said: “Thousands of elders have been lost to this purposeless and imposed war on both sides of the border…”

 

He said thousands of families remained uninformed of their youths’ whereabouts. The enemy was trying to ruin Pakhtun and Baloch traditions and values. The ex-governor urged elders, politicians and youth to stand up against the enemy and decide their future.

 

Khpalwak stressed as important the role of elders and other influential figures in forging unity among tribes, which should rise to deal with the current situation. He also called for political parties and civil society to work for coordination in halting the war in both countries.

 

Another speaker, Gen. Zulfikar Baloch, claimed 40,000 people from his tribe had so far laid down their lives during their quest for freedom, with 15,000 others going missing. But the global fraternity paid little heed to their plight, he complained.

 

“Afghanistan is our shared home. As and when its wins freedom, the province will live together with Afghanistan in a federation. This isn’t my view; it’s a unanimous decision of all Baloch leaders,” he remarked.

 

Wolesi Jirga member Alami Balkhi underlined practical steps for concrete solidarity between the two communities. “I hope this day will continue to be observed well into the future…measures will be initiated for unity and understanding between them.”

 

mud

 

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