Initiatives that can Transform Pashtoon’s Fate

The Pashtun society, spread across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, is connected through rich culture, history, and traditions. They are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and the second largest in Pakistan. Their vast territory spans eastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan, including the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Due to its geopolitical significance, this region has been of great importance, from Alexander the Great to the British Empire, and from the Soviet Union to the USA. It has remained a crossroads of empires and global conflicts.

Every society is complex in terms of ethnicity, culture, race, religion, thoughts, beliefs, and color. These complexities create diversity, which can generate both positive and negative actions. Positive actions include mutual respect, harmony, dignity, cooperation, and social cohesion, while negative actions encompass hate, discrimination, social exclusion, radicalization, and violence.

Therefore, if Pashtun society promotes diversity, religious tolerance, and pluralism, it can develop rapidly and change its fate. Pashtuns living on both sides of the border need to accept each other’s existence, stop interfering in each other’s affairs, and avoid the hollow slogans of ‘Lar o Bar.’ Such slogans, which claim ‘Attock land belongs to Afghanistan,’ only serve to deepen rifts and divert their attention from the core reality that they must accept the reality of international borders.

Pashtuns form a patriarchal society where men dominate various aspects of life, and women mostly remain supportive, submissive, and subservient to them. Therefore, it is crucial to educate the youth about gender equality and advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Moreover, there is an urgent need to raise awareness among the youth that women are equal members of society. Women should be encouraged to participate in all fields of life, and their potential should not be confined to the boundaries of their homes.

The ideology of ‘topak zama qanoon’ (the gun is my law) has caused immense harm to the Pashtun community, as it is often misused to justify violence and revenge. Many believe that through the use of power, their core issues will be resolved. However, as we live in the 21st century, the world has advanced significantly,

and Pashtuns must adopt non-violent methods to resolve conflicts and disputes. They should also focus on higher education to become competitive with other nations around the world.

Religious leaders hold significant influence in Pashtun society, often promoting personal or divisive agendas. There should be certain rules, norms, and constitutional guidelines for local clerics. Furthermore, these issues should be addressed according to the established instructions, as local clerics often use Pashtuns for their own vested interests, such as inciting sectarian violence. Those who violate the law should be arrested. Clerics should be bound by the responsibility to promote interfaith harmony and educate the youth to respect other religions, helping to create a more inclusive society.

Pashtuns on both sides should focus on their own internal issues rather than external ones. For example, they protest over issues like Palestine and Kashmir but do not prioritize local challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of infrastructure. Overpopulation is also one of the major issues in this region. There should be awareness raised about controlling the population, as it places immense strain on resources, economic growth, and limits job opportunities. Awareness about family planning should also be promoted to support birth control.

In addition, Pashtun society stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to redefine its future by embracing tolerance, empowering women, speaking out against violence, and condemning actions that harm or intimidate others. Reforming religious leadership and focusing on internal development are also essential. By taking these steps, Pashtuns can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. The path forward requires collective effort, a shift in perspective, and a commitment to addressing core issues. Through these changes, Pashtuns can not only preserve their rich heritage but also thrive in the modern world, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.