The government of Pakistan is reportedly working on legislation that, according to Pashtun political leaders, aims to bring the vast mineral wealth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Punjab’s control.
While Pashtun political parties and activists have so far managed to resist this agenda, many fear that, given the history and conduct of political institutions, the threat remains serious and ongoing.
Reports estimate that natural resources worth over six trillion dollars have been discovered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These include lithium, oil and gas, chromite, coal, marble, copper, gold, and other valuable minerals.
Observers claim that the Pakistani military is attempting to exploit the region’s manufactured insecurity, political instability, and internal conflicts to establish long-term control over this wealth.
In response, there is a growing outcry across Southern Pashtun regions against what is seen as Punjab’s encroachment on their natural resources.
But how serious is this issue for the Pashtun people?
Can they effectively safeguard their rights and prevent Punjab’s takeover? And how does Pakistan’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan fit into this larger picture?
To explore these critical questions, we spoke with Dr. Syed Alam Mehsud, a respected political figure and analyst from South Pashtunkhwa.
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