Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi and Kashmiri activists demand independence from Pakistan; slam misuse of madrassas

Protesters pelt stones during a strike called by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta on September 8, 2025, condemning bombing at a political rally earlier that month. (Photo by Banaras KHAN / AFP)

Prominent activists from the Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi, and Kashmiri communities have renewed their call for independence from Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of systematic oppression, economic exploitation, and ideological manipulation. The statements came during an online meeting organised by the Afghan United Front, as revealed in a post by PoJK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza on X.

According to the participants, Pakistan continues to suppress ethnic and regional identities through its institutions and policies. Speakers accused the state of using education, media, and religious seminaries to impose a single ideological framework that benefits the military and political elite. They cited the example of former dictator General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime (1977–1988), when the number of madrassas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa surged from just 89 to nearly 10,000.

The participants said Zia-ul-Haq had declared these madrassas as “forts of Islam,” a project aimed at enforcing an extremist agenda in Afghanistan while simultaneously weakening Pashtun nationalism within Pakistan. Pashtun representatives argued that the creation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the concept of “Pashtunistan” were calculated moves to confuse and divide the Pashtun identity, which they said is historically and culturally tied to Afghanistan.

Several speakers questioned why terror attacks within Pakistan almost never occur in Punjab, despite extremist leaderships and operational networks being based there. The Sindhi delegates said their province remains under the total dominance of the Pakistan Army, pointing out that no Sindhi has ever served as Chief of Army Staff, Corps Commander, or in any major military role.

They also highlighted that Sindh contributes nearly 70% of Pakistan’s GDP, 72% of its gas, and 52% of its oil, yet remains politically marginalised and economically neglected. “Sindh has vast lignite coal reserves worth billions, yet its people remain impoverished and excluded,” one speaker noted.

Baloch participants declared that they are “freedom fighters, not separatists,” calling Pakistan’s presence in Balochistan an occupation. They condemned the army’s ongoing operations, enforced disappearances, and grave human rights violations.

Kashmiri representatives urged the creation of a united front among all oppressed groups under Pakistan’s rule. The meeting ended with a joint declaration pledging to continue the struggle for self-determination, dignity, and independence until every occupied nation achieves sovereignty and freedom from Pakistani control.