Peaceful Pashtun Sit-In at KP Assembly | Aam Olas Coverage

In this episode of Aam Olas, Yousaf Jan Utmanzai visited Peshawar to report on an ongoing sit-in by tribal Pashtuns outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly. The protest has continued for more than a month and a half, quietly, patiently, and without disrupting public life.

What sets this movement apart is its peaceful character.

Culture Instead of Chaos

Around the world, protests are often associated with roadblocks, burning tires, and damage to public or private property. In contrast, the tribal Pashtuns here expressed their dissent through Attan, the traditional Pashtun dance, performed to the beat of the dhool.

There were no sticks, no violence, and no vandalism, only cultural expression and discipline. This dignified approach presents a powerful image of the Pashtuns as a peaceful, law-abiding community seeking justice without hostility.

Sacrifice for the Sake of Pakistan

During the coverage, Yousaf Jan Utmanzai posed a question that resonates deeply:
Who leaves their business, village, and ancestral land when asked, purely for the country’s peace?

The answer, he noted, is the Pashtuns.

Tribal Pashtuns vacated their hometowns to enable counterterrorism operations. They endured displacement, long security checks under the scorching sun, and the loss of livelihoods, so that the country could move toward peace. Their migration was not a retreat; it was a sacrifice made in trust.

Gratitude Earned, Not Demanded

According to Utmanzai, the entire nation owes these people gratitude. Despite months of protest, they have not blocked roads or pavements. Even amid hardship, their chants remain patriotic: “Long live Pakistan.”

These are the people who gave up everything and still stand with the state.

Promises Made, Then Withdrawn

The sit-in is driven by unfulfilled agreements between the government and the tribal communities regarding compensation for war-related destruction. Tribal areas were among the most affected districts during operations against terrorism.

In the presence of senior officials and representatives of the Pakistan Army, an agreement was signed to provide at least 15% financial assistance for reconstruction. Even then, the tribes accepted the amount, believing that some help was better than none.

Nearly a year later, the state stepped back from its commitment, proposing an even lower figure, an amount the communities say cannot rebuild destroyed hometowns.

Key Terms of the Original Agreement

• PKR 45 lakh per marla for land acquired for roads and parks
• PKR 45,000 per square foot for destroyed buildings
• Inclusion of displaced families whose properties were damaged by the war

These terms were agreed upon but remain largely unimplemented.

A Moment That Demands Action

Today, the tribal Pashtuns continue their peaceful protest, exhausted, disappointed, yet disciplined. Their hope is fading, but their loyalty endures.

History shows that prolonged neglect can push grievances to a breaking point. Rather than repeating past mistakes and labeling victims as rebels later, the state must act now, with dialogue, fulfillment of promises, and fair rehabilitation.

Final Reflection

This Aam Olas episode is a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. The Pashtuns gathered outside the KP Assembly are not asking for privilege; they are asking for what was promised.

Even now, they stand peacefully and proudly declare: “Long live Pakistan.”
The responsibility lies with the state to ensure that Pakistan stands with them in return.