Pashtun Activist Accuses Pakistan Military of Human Rights Violations

Pashtun human rights activist Fazlur Rahman Afridi has leveled serious allegations against Pakistan's military, accusing them of widespread human rights violations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Afridi aired these concerns during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), painting a grim picture of the civilian toll from military operations and ongoing cross-border tensions.

Afridi claimed that thousands of military operations have been conducted in Pashtun regions over the years, leading to numerous civilian casualties, enforced disappearances, and mass displacements. The activist noted that the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has deteriorated recently due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban authorities.

He further accused Pakistan of conducting cross-border strikes into Afghanistan, describing such actions as violations of international law that often result in civilian deaths. Afridi indicated that these incidents frequently lead to retaliatory attacks, worsening conditions for Pashtun communities on both sides of the Durand Line.

Highlighting a surge in enforced disappearances of Pashtun and Baloch individuals, Afridi termed the situation as tantamount to genocide, ongoing for nearly 80 years. He pointed to allegations that those disappeared are held in military and intelligence-run interrogation centers, where they're subjected to torture and often do not return to their families.

Afridi called on the United Nations and global human rights organizations to investigate these alleged abuses, stressing the need for accountability within Pakistan's powerful military establishment if such violations are to end. He also criticized the Action in Aid of Civil Power Ordinance for granting excessive powers to the military, urging its repeal by the country's government, judiciary, and parliament. Afridi emphasized that Pakistan should be held responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.