Abstract:

This report examines the systematic discrimination and ethnic profiling of the Pashtun population in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the government's counter-terrorism efforts. Drawing on a range of sources, including interviews, reports from human rights organizations, and articles, this paper highlights the dangers of racial profiling and the potential consequences for Pakistan’s social fabric and regional stability. The role of international bodies, particularly the European Union and neighboring countries, in addressing these human rights violations is also explored, with a focus on their current and potential actions. Additionally, the report discusses the emergence of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) led by Manzoor Pashteen, emphasizing the need for global attention to PTM's demands in order to uphold international human rights charters and laws to which Pakistan is obligated.

Introduction:

The Pashtun people, an ethnic group primarily residing in so-called “the border” (Durand Line) regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, have faced longstanding marginalization within Pakistan. Historically associated with the Afghan jihad and later with Islamist militancy and terror groups supported by Pakistani establishment for its geopolitical interests, the Pashtun community has often been stereotyped and discriminated against. The developments during the Pakistani army operations against the terror groups, however, have exacerbated this situation, with reports of systematic ethnic profiling and human rights abuses by Pakistani authorities in the name of counter-terrorism. The emergence of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) since 2018 has brought renewed attention to the plight of the Pashtuns, demanding accountability and the cessation of discriminatory practices by the state.

Ethnic Profiling of Pashtuns in Pakistan: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis

Pashtuns have been historically marginalized in Pakistan due to their association with various movements and conflicts that challenge the central authority in Islamabad. The “Khudai Khidmatgar” movement, for example, was an early 20th-century non-violent struggle led by Pashtuns against British rule, which was later viewed with suspicion by the Pakistani establishment. Post-independence, this mistrust persisted, further fueled by the geopolitical dynamics of the Cold War and the subsequent rise of the Taliban.

In recent years, the Pakistani government's counter-terrorism measures have increasingly targeted Pashtuns, particularly in Punjab and Islamabad, where reports indicate that Pashtun laborers, daily wage workers, and small shopkeepers are subject to intense scrutiny and harassment by law enforcement. This profiling is rooted in the stereotype of Pashtuns as inherently violent and sympathetic to Islamist militants. The profiling often involves stopping individuals based on their appearance, clothing, and language, and demanding proof of identity, with severe consequences for those unable to comply.

The Emergence of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), led by Manzoor Pashteen, emerged in 2018 as a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of Pashtuns who have been disproportionately affected by the war on terror and the resulting military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas. PTM's demands include the cessation of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, landmine clearance, and the end of racial profiling and harassment of Pashtuns by security forces.

Manzoor Pashteen, a former veterinary student, became the voice of the marginalized Pashtuns, articulating the widespread grievances of his community. His speeches have consistently condemned the Pakistani state’s systematic discrimination against Pashtuns, highlighting the human rights violations that have gone largely unnoticed or unaddressed by both national and international authorities. Pashteen has emphasized that the state’s actions not only violate Pakistan’s constitution but also international human rights laws to which the country is a signatory.

Human Rights Violations against the pashtuns and International Response

Human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Amnesty International, have condemned the racial profiling of Pashtuns. They argue that such practices are not only discriminatory but also counterproductive, as they alienate a significant ethnic group and contribute to broader societal tensions. Moreover, these actions violate both Pakistan's constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, particularly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Pakistan has ratified.

The European Union has a framework for addressing such issues through its Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, which emphasizes the protection of human rights globally. The European Parliament has raised concerns about the treatment of Pashtuns in Pakistan, questioning whether the EU is adequately addressing these issues in its bilateral relations with Pakistan, particularly in the context of foreign aid and the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission.

Why It's Crucial To Pay Attention to PTM's Demands

The PTM's demands are not merely about addressing specific grievances; they are about upholding the fundamental human rights enshrined in international charters and treaties. The international community, particularly the European Union and the United Nations, has a responsibility to ensure that Pakistan complies with these obligations. Failure to address the PTM’s demands and the broader issues of Pashtun discrimination risks further destabilization of the region, deepening the already existing ethnic tensions within Pakistan.

The global community must take PTM’s concerns seriously, as ignoring them would set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of ethnic minorities under the guise of counter-terrorism which has already happened during the US-led war on terror. Upholding international law and human rights standards is not just a moral imperative but also a necessary step in ensuring long-term peace and stability in Pakistan and the broader South Asian region.

The Role of the EU: Challenges and Opportunities

The EU's engagement with Pakistan on human rights issues presents both challenges and opportunities. While the European Parliament has been vocal in raising concerns about the treatment of Pashtuns, the extent to which these concerns translate into concrete action is unclear. There are calls within the EU to ensure that foreign aid to Pakistan is not used to support discriminatory practices and to place human rights abuses on the agenda in bilateral discussions.

Given the strategic importance of Pakistan in regional security and counter-terrorism efforts, the EU must balance its diplomatic and development objectives with a firm commitment to human rights. The inclusion of the issue of Pashtun profiling and the PTM's demands in the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission could serve as a critical step in this direction, signaling the EU’s resolve to address human rights abuses in its foreign relations.

Conclusion:

The systematic discrimination and racial profiling of Pashtuns in Pakistan is a serious human rights concern with potentially destabilizing effects on both national and regional levels. The emergence of the PTM and its demands for justice and equality highlight the urgent need for the Pakistani state to reevaluate its policies towards the Pashtun population. The international community, particularly the European Union and neighboring countries, have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues, ensuring that human rights are upheld in Pakistan. Failure to do so could result in further marginalization of the Pashtun community, a deepening of existing conflicts, and a violation of international human rights obligations.

References:

1. Shams, S. (2017). Pashtun 'ethnic profiling' in Pakistan. DW.

https://www.dw.com/en/why-pakistan-associates-terrorism-with-pashtuns-and-afghans/a-38024338

2. European Parliament. (2017). Parliamentary questions: Discrimination against Pashtuns in Pakistan. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2017-003772_EN.html

3. Asian Human Rights Commission. (2017). PAKISTAN: Racial profiling of Pakhtuns to be condemned. Retrieved from https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/discrimination-against-pashtuns-may-jeopardise-pakistans-unity-and-diversity20220831225119/

4. Pashteen, M. (2018). Speeches and statements on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement. Various locations.