PESHAWAR – Pakhtuns have accepted the creation of Pakistan but not a lifeof slavery, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief says.
“We would never accept being treated as slaves,” Mahmood Khan Achakzai tolda public gathering in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.
Peace in Pakistan was linked to stability in Afghanistan said the veteranleader, who added nationalist parties wanted equal rights for the Pakhtunsin national resources and due representation in top government jobs.
His party had been doing all it could for the rights and survival ofPakhtuns, he claimed. “We were victimised for raising our voice. The bloodof Pakhtuns is being shed on both sides of the Durand Line.
All area between Amo and Abaseen rivers belonged to the Pakhtuns, who hadbeen living there 500 years before the birth of Hazrat Essa (AS), Achakzaicommented.
The Pakhtuns fought against British colonial forces in the 18th century andliberated the region. “We were not given this land in charity but ourforefathers snatched it from the occupying forces.”
Protests over the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud in a fake police encounterin Karachi symbolised the anger of Pakhtuns over the discrimination theywere meted out, he added.