Pak’s Pashtuns hold major rally

In a rare public challenge to Pakistan’s powerful armed forces, thousands of Pashtuns rallied in the northwestern city of Peshawar to call for an end to abuses by police and troops.

The crowd of up to 30,000 chanted anti-military slogans as speakers took to the stage demanding an end to forced “disappearances” and harassment by authorities. “I salute the Pakistan army but if they are cruel I hate them,” said one female burqaclad speaker to roars of applause.

Hundreds held posters or photos of missing family members and friends, whom they say have been seized by security forces during military operations against insurgents. Speakers at the rally organised by the Pashtun Protection Movement demanded better treatment for ethnic Pashtuns, who make up an estimated 15% of the population and have largely borne the brunt of Pakistan’s war on terror.

“We are not against anyone but this movement is against cruelty,” said leader Manzoor Pashteen as heavy rain drenched the crowd. “We are against all cruelty, whether it is from the good Taliban or bad Taliban, or from peace committees, ISI (Inter Services Intelligence), MI (military intelligence) or the army.”

According to organisers, at least 2,000 new cases of forced disappearances were registered during the rally. The Pashtun Protection Movement rose to prominence after the killing of a young social media star in Karachi unleashed anger at extrajudicial murders and at the police accused of orchestrating them.

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