An academic seminar titled “The Martyrdom of Gilaman Wazir – An impetus for Afghan unity” was held online via Zoom on September 28, 2024, organized by the Afghan expatriate community.
Speakers of the seminar made important remarks and presented specific proposals for the upcoming Tribal Justice Assembly of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement to be held on October 11, 2024.
The seminar began with the recitation of several verses from the Holy Quran by Mirwais Mohammad Abid Hashimi. Next, Shinkai Karokhel, a former Afghan ambassador to Canada and former member of the Afghan parliament, welcomed the attendees.
Ms. Karokhel started by outlining the goals of the seminar as follows:
- Investigate the past, present, and future state of Pashtun/Afghans – identifying the issues and proposing solutions.
- Prepare specific proposals for the upcoming Tribal Justice Assembly of the PTM.
- Mobilize support for the efforts of Pashtun rights advocates.
The seminar was conducted by the prominent former Afghan parliamentarian Safia Siddiqui.
The first speaker, Prof. Shahsawar Sangarwal, addressed the seminar topic under the title “Historical Background of Afghan Disunity.”
He shed light on the following issues: “The dual pressures and advancing policies of the British and Russians during the separation of Lower Pashtunistan from Greater Afghanistan; the hypocrisy of Persia and Punjab; the internal conflicts and self-interest of Afghan leaders; failure to capitalize on the opportunities presented to Afghans; the various agreements between Afghan leaders and the British; treaties of the Russians and the British regarding Afghanistan and the region; British treaties with Iran and Punjab; the continuous struggles of the Afghan people to reject these treaties at Afghan grand assemblies and the long-lasting fights of the Afghan people to resist and expel invaders from their homeland.”
Dr. Syed Alam Masood was the second speaker, who linked the fall of Peshawar to the onset of Pashtun genocide, and the martyrdoms of prominent Pashtuns leaders such as Gilaman Wazir as the continuation of the heinous crime.
He elaborated on the separation of Peshawar’s from the rest of the Afghan homeland; the establishment of Pakistan until 1357 (1978); how the Afghan territory became a battlefield for superpowers; the so-called war on terrorism, and the current systematic genocide of Pashtuns.
He emphasized that Afghans have always won wars but lost in negotiations, noting that incidents of violence against Pashtuns have not been documented sufficiently, and their claims have not reached the ears of the international community.
The third speaker, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Usman Taraki, presented a well-structured overview of the new political discourse regarding the issue of the Durand Line.
Dr. Taraki focused on important details of the topic and answered questions from seminar participants: “How to assess the position of the international military coalition regarding the Durand Line during the 20-year American occupation? With the rise of the Taliban to power, what are some of the challenges surrounding the issue of the Durand Line? How can we explain the elimination of the Durand Line in connection with terrorism and fundamentalism? How can the issue and land claim of the Durand Line be included in the geopolitical agenda of the region and international community?”
The fourth speaker, Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim Shinwari, presented his academic essay entitled “How divided countries and suppressed nations can be united?” In his speech, he emphasized the shared values of Afghans/Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line and said that Pashtuns are one of the most homogeneous societies in the world, having a common ethnic and cultural homogeneity. He explained that they live in a single and connected geography (Amu to Margala), share a common history, religion, culture and the strong bond and code of conduct of Pashtunwali.
Dr. Shinwari also provided examples of divided nations globally that have successfully reunited, discussing strategies that have worked for these nations. He outlinined detailed strategies for the unification of Afghans on both sides of the Durand Line and once again forming Greater Afghanistan for all Afghans.
The fifth topic titled, “Cultural Aspects of Martyr Gilaman’s Struggle and Messages for the Youth” was presented by writer Dr. Zareen Anzoor. Dr. Anzoor explained how the cultural and literary activities of Gilaman Wazir awakened the youth during his life and urged Afghans to use his poetry and songs to inspire the new generation of Afghans.
The sixth topic titled “Martyrdom of Gilaman – The Start of a Movement to Create a Vision for Afghans: Strategies and Steps” was presented by renowned Afghan activist and literary personality Aimal Khan Khatak.
Key points of Khatak’s speech revolved around answering the following questions: “How have such martyrdoms historically contributed to generating motivation and strengthening national and political movements? What steps should be taken to ensure that Gilaman’s martyrdom inspires, mobilizes, and unifies PTM and Afghans/Pashtuns and steer them towards the attainment of their goal? How can media activities be unified, coordinated, and aligned to inspire Pashtuns/Afghans? What are the responsibilities of expatriate Pashtuns/Afghans to inspire this movement?”
The seventh topic was titled “A Unified Great Afghanistan as the Only Solution to Afghan Problems” presented by Dr. Tajudin Milatmal.
He explained the following subjects: “The ideal state of Greater Afghanistan and the current state of Pashtuns – Since the separation of Pashtuns from their great homeland due to colonialism and the geopolitical agendas and historical oppression by the superpowers, what options do they have now? Should they demand provincial/federal rights in Pakistan? Should they seek an independent Pashtunistan? Or should they strive for reunification with Greater Afghanistan?” Dr. Miltmal examined the pros and cons of each alternative, as well as the obstacles and threats facing Afghans/Pashtuns.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the primary and key solution lies in achieving the greater goal of restoring the former Greater Afghanistan.
At the end of the seminar, Danish Karokhel thanked the participants and spoke about the future steps, stating that the organizing committee would systematically compile and organize the seminar’s proposals to present them to the Pashtun Tribal Justice Assembly and the PTM.
Kharokhel also emphasized that such academic and analytical advisory meetings would continue, engaging in discussions on strategic issues concerning Pashtuns/Afghans with experts and social-political activists.
The meeting concluded with a pray led by Mirwais Mohammad Abdalhaq Hashimi.
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