Islamabad, Tehran asked to halt meddling

KABUL protest to condemn recent attacks on Afghan border posts.

Coming all the way from Bagrami and Deh Sabz districts and Khushal Khan Mena area to Kabul, a large number of people held a protest gathering in the Jada-i-Maiwand square, where they chanted slogans against Pakistan, the Taliban and warlords.

Addressing the gathering, attended by Tarakhel, Hotkhel, Zazai, Zadran and Safi tribesmen, National Unity Party head Abdul Hakim Noorzai said Pashtuns had a long history of defending their motherland, and they currently served as a shield against Pakistan’s meddling.

“In case of any adventurism by Pakistan, the Pashtun tribes will fight alongside the country’s security forces in defence of their motherland,” he said.

Bawar Khan Hotak, who heads Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation, told Pajhwok Afghan News the people were ready to defend their land from their aggressive neighbours — Pakistan and Iran.

He alleged Iran was creating hurdles to the execution of a mega dam project in western Herat province. He asked Tehran to end interfering in Kabul’s affairs.

Mohammad Yunus Hotak, a Hotkhel tribe elder, announced his support for the government and Afghan security forces. He said: “Pashtun-inhabited areas are often called Taliban havens. In fact, a handful of insurgents backed by Pakistan have defamed the tribe.”

He asked the government to improve security and distribute voter cards to all Pashtuns, urging the tribes-people to take part in the upcoming elections.

At the end, the protestors issued a resolution, saying Pashtuns should be given greater representation in the upcoming elections.

It asked Pakistan and Iran to stop meddling in Afghanistan. It also called for trying commanders Abdul Hakim Shujaee, Kamin and Qadir, who allegedly harassed Pashtun people.

mrh/ma/mud

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