In recent days, reactions against the Pakistani military have intensified on social media in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with local residents being urged to cut all kinds of ties with the army.
Some social media accounts close to the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) have claimed that Pakistani military generals have turned war in Pashtun-populated areas into a source of livelihood.
They say the time has come for all Pashtuns to declare a serious break from the Pakistani army.
In light of what observers describe as ongoing military repression against Pashtuns in areas under Pakistan’s control, analysts argue that Pashtuns living there should no longer remain silent in the face of the army’s actions.
Military affairs analyst Toryalai Zazai said:
“The crimes of Pakistani generals against the people in Lower Pashtunkhwa began when people launched their movement under the banner of nonviolence. Even now, 37 percent of the population of Pashtunkhwa serves in Pakistan’s military and intelligence institutions.”
Political analyst Khalil Ahmad Nadim stated:
“There is now a need for Pashtuns and Baloch to rise up and stand against the Punjabi-dominated army in order to secure their rights and stop the bloodshed.”
Social media accounts attributed to Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen have written that Pakistan’s military regime uses war in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a means of employment and prioritizes its own interests.
These accounts, inspired by Pashteen’s stance, have called on Pashtuns serving in the Pakistani army to act with careful thought and prudence to protect themselves and their children and to ensure their personal safety.
Military observers also say that, given the current security, economic, and political situation in Pakistan, the country’s political structure appears to be heading toward fragmentation.
Military analyst Akhtar Mohammad Rasekh said:
“Pashtuns have now begun efforts to assert sovereignty over their homeland. They have reached a point, in response to the actions and plans of Pakistani generals, where they believe they must adopt armed resistance to prevent the wars that Pakistan has planned for these regions.”
In recent weeks, Pakistan’s military regime has once again launched operations in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the pretext of combating terrorism, resulting in financial and human losses among civilians.
Daily public and political reactions continue against these operations, but the Pakistani army has not yet halted them.
