Gilaman Wazir’s Murder: Pakistan’s Misuse of the War on Terror to Silence the Pashtun Voice

Ahmad Fawad Arsala 

Most observers believe that Gilaman Wazir, a prominent Pashtun leader and poet, was targeted due to his stance on the Durand Line and his peaceful demonstrations in defense of the Pashtuns, leading to the violent attack in Islamabad, Pakistan, that caused his death. Wazir, renowned for his eloquent poetry and unwavering commitment to the Pashtun cause, was a symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of adversity. With almost a million followers on social media, he was a significant voice for peaceful resistance. He recently stated in a video on social media, “I am not accepting these lines on my hands nor do I accept the line on my forehead. Do you want me to accept an imagined Durand Line? You must be crazy.” His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the Pashtun community and raised critical questions about the ongoing conflict and the use of counterterrorism tactics in Pakistan.

The Pashtun Struggle for Rights

A large portion of the Pashtun people, an ethnic group divided by British colonial trickery using an imaginary Durand Line, have been living in the region for thousands of years. They were forced to live in the artificially created Pakistan, cut off from their kin in Afghanistan. Over the years, the Pashtuns in Pakistan have had to struggle for rights and recognition, with peaceful resistance being a cornerstone of their movement. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), founded in 2014, has been at the forefront of this struggle, advocating for human rights, justice, and an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Gilaman Wazir emerged as a prominent figure within this movement, using his poetry and rhetoric to inspire and mobilize the Pashtun people. His works often highlighted the plight of his community, calling for unity, resilience, and peaceful resistance against oppression. Wazir’s assassination is a significant blow to the PTM and the broader Pashtun cause, as it underscores the dangerous environment in which activists operate.

The War on Terror and Its Implications

Since the early 2000s, Pakistan has been a critical ally in the global War on Terror, a campaign led primarily by the United States to combat terrorism worldwide. This alliance has led to significant military and financial aid from the U.S. to Pakistan, aimed at bolstering counterterrorism efforts in the region. However, the Pakistani military’s approach to combating terrorism has been widely criticized for its heavy-handed tactics and the collateral damage inflicted on civilian populations, particularly in the tribal areas where many Pashtuns reside.

The Pakistani government’s use of the War on Terror as a pretext to suppress dissent and opposition has been a contentious issue. Critics argue that the counterterrorism narrative has been exploited to justify military operations and human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and political activists. The PTM has condemned the Pakistani government’s actions, labeling them as genocidal under the guise of the Azm-e-Istihkam operation. They have been vocal in their criticism of these practices, accusing the military of using counterterrorism as a cover to perpetuate state violence and silence voices of dissent.

The Legacy of Gilaman Wazir

Gilaman Wazir’s legacy as a poet and leader is intertwined with the broader narrative of Pashtun resistance. His contributions to the movement were not limited to his poetic prowess but extended to his role as a unifying figure who advocated for nonviolent resistance. Wazir’s death is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out against oppression and injustice in Pakistan.

In the wake of his assassination, there is a renewed call for accountability and justice. Human rights organizations and international bodies have urged the Pakistani government to conduct a thorough investigation into Wazir’s death and to address the broader issues of human rights abuses in the country. The Pashtun community, mourning the loss of a beloved leader, remains resolute in its commitment to peaceful resistance and the pursuit of justice.

Conclusion

The death of Gilaman Wazir is a poignant moment in the history of the Pashtun struggle for rights and recognition. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by ethnic minorities in Pakistan and the complex interplay between counterterrorism efforts and human rights. Pakistan’s misuse of the War on Terror to target Pashtun tribal areas under the pretense of counterterrorism operations has resulted in significant human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the displacement of countless civilians. These actions have not only undermined the credibility of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts but have also perpetuated a cycle of violence and repression against the Pashtun people.

The international community must play a crucial role in advocating for justice and accountability in Pakistan. Diplomatic pressure and international scrutiny can help ensure that Pakistan addresses the grievances of the Pashtun community and ceases its oppressive tactics. The international community should support human rights organizations and grassroots movements like the PTM, which strive to bring attention to the injustices faced by the Pashtun people.

Wazir’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Pashtuns in their quest for peace, justice, and equality. His life and death serve as a reminder of the importance of peaceful resistance and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. As the Pashtun community mourns their loss, they remain steadfast in their commitment to achieving the rights and recognition they deserve, standing as a testament to the power of resilience and unity in the fight against injustice.