The Pakhtun Qaumi Jirga on Sunday proposed the creation of a “Pashtun Milli Lashkar,” an unarmed force aimed at protecting Pashtun communities. The proposal came during the jirga’s three-day meeting in Peshawar, which discussed several important regional issues.
The suggested Lashkar would include 3,000 young men from each district and political party, acting as a local defense force to ensure the safety of Pashtun people. Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), announced the formation of the Lashkar during the closing session.
Pashteen also suggested forming a committee to oversee the extraction of natural resources in Pashtun areas, ensuring that local resources benefit the community. He called on the Taliban-led Afghan government to allow girls to receive education, emphasizing the importance of empowering future generations through learning.
Addressing the issue of extortion, Pashteen assured that no Pashtun would be forced to pay extortion money, and that the jirga would stand united against any threats.
The jirga also demanded the removal of trade restrictions at border points like Torkham, Nawapass, Chaman, and Angoor Adda, allowing Pashtuns to trade freely.
The gathering concluded with a commitment to formalize the proposals, marking a significant step towards Pashtun rights and autonomy. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmad Khan expressed support for the jirga’s decisions, declaring it the primary body for Pashtun matters.