*KABUL- A number of Afghan National Assembly members backed by NationalDirectorate of Security have announced support for ‘Pashtun Long March’ inIslamabad and praised their standing up for their rights.*
“We are standing against oppression and imposing force on Pashtuns inPakistan. Most of Afghan people will continue support for them,” saidAreyan Youn, a member of the Lower House.
“The Afghan government and people do not have any problem with Pakistanipeople. The problem is with the Pakistani government,” Senator Hashemiadded.
“Freedom of expression has been trampled in Pakistan. There is no access toinformation. Most of the journalists are in danger of attack by thecountry’s intelligence,” said Sidiquallah Tawhidi, the head of AfghanJournalists Safety Committee (AJSC).
The Pashtun protest is an eye-opener for Pakistan’s civilian and militaryleadership, who have been dealing with the Federally Administered TribalAreas (FATA) as a strategic space, rather than recognizing the genuineneeds and rights of its inhabitants.