- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr. Amir Muqam, on Friday praised the Pashtun community as the “strength and pride of Pakistan,” highlighting their historic sacrifices for the country’s creation, defence, and stability.
While addressing a large gathering at the Pashtun-o-Mustahkam Pakistan Convention, he reaffirmed the community’s steadfast commitment to upholding the dignity of the national flag.
He lauded the Pashtuns as the backbone and pride of Pakistan, declaring that they would never allow the flag to falter. Their historic sacrifices for the nation’s founding and enduring stability, he noted, are etched in the annals of Pakistan’s history.
He said that Pashtuns proudly voted for Pakistan during the referendum before independence, choosing the new homeland with unwavering conviction. “From 1947 till today, it has always been the Pashtun land and its brave people who stood guard for Pakistan,” he remarked.
He said Pashtun tribes fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pakistan Army in the early Kashmir war, travelling on foot with limited resources to free the region now known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “Their blood lies buried on the mountains of Kashmir as a testimony of their love for Pakistan,” he added.
He said Pashtuns never hesitated to defend Pakistan’s borders, whether in the fight against terrorism or in safeguarding national security. “Our brave Pashtun soldiers in the Pakistan Army, police and paramilitary forces have rendered unforgettable sacrifices to protect every inch of this homeland,” he said.
Amir Muqam paid rich tributes to Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir whom he described as a leader of exceptional courage, discipline and strategic vision — for safeguarding Pakistan’s borders and reinforcing national unity during a sensitive period.
He also said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is not only an outstanding administrator and statesman but has also proven his capability as a commander of the nation by reviving the economy, boosting diplomatic stature and firmly supporting the armed forces.
“The respect and recognition Pakistan is now receiving globally is a result of the strong partnership between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir,” he added.
He strongly criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for prioritising the political interests of one individual instead of welfare of the province. “The government’s job is not to protect a single man, but to serve the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he asserted. “Please stop using the name and sacrifices of Pashtuns for personal agendas.”
He said that Pashtun youth deserve education, employment and a peaceful environment, not exploitation by political actors. “If the government truly represents Pashtuns, it should deliver public service — not slogans,” he added.
The minister announced the formation of a dedicated committee to resolve key issues faced by Pashtuns across Pakistan. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s commitment to championing the rights and dignity of the Pashtun community.
“Pashtuns have always stood by Pakistan. Now Pakistan must stand by Pashtuns,” the minister emphasized, underscoring the community’s unwavering loyalty and the need for reciprocal support.
Reaffirming unity and national cohesion, he said: “A strong Pakistan is impossible without strong Pashtuns. Pashtuns and Pakistan share one heart and one destiny.”
“The national flag will never fall — Pashtuns will always hold it high,” he vowed.
PML-N MNA Samar Haroon Bilour also spoke on the occasion.