Mia Iftikhar Hussain Criticizes Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Policies, Saying Pashtuns Bear the Brunt
Mia Iftikhar Hussain, the provincial leader of Pakistan’s Awami National Party, sharply criticized the country’s security policies, stating that under the pretext of combating terrorism, ordinary people are once again being manipulated, with the Pashtun community paying the highest price.
She emphasized that the victims of attacks and insecurity are from among their own people, and at the same time, various pressures and injustices are inflicted upon the same communities. According to her, what is being carried out in practice resembles more of a political and security show rather than a genuine fight against terrorism.
Referring to the role of Pakistan’s former army commanders, the political leader condemned the resettlement of terrorist groups and questioned where Pakistan’s “National Action Plan” was during General Faiz’s efforts to bring back terrorists and why it was not implemented seriously.
Mia Iftikhar Hussain added that if there were genuine will to end terrorism, there are clear and legal methods to do so, but in practice, these policies have largely resulted in harassment and pressure on the Pashtun people.
These remarks come as insecurity has increased again in the Tirah region and several other tribal areas in recent weeks, raising widespread concerns among the residents of these regions.
