Babar links suffering of Pashtuns to state policies

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A former lawmaker has blamed the suffering of Pashtuns on state policy to build jihadi infrastructure in the name of security and foreign policy objectives.

Speaking at a media award-giving ceremony, ex-senator Farhatullah Babar stressed voices of indigenous groups like the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) must be heard.

Pashtuns were used as cannon fodder and killed on both sides of the Durand Line widowed, he alleged.

He took exception to the humiliation of Pashtuns at check-posts in the name of security. “They have been victims of brutalities of both state and non-state actors. Seldom before, a whole community has been brutalized for so long.”

Babar explained the Pashtuns were also suffering due to declining trade with Afghanistan. There was no big national media house owned by anyone from the region to spotlight the plight of Pashtuns.

“This vacuum is now being filled by committed and competent journalists in the region and movements like the PTM who seem to give voice to the muted turbulence of Pashtun spirit,” Babar concluded.

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