Mass Protest Erupts After Pashtun Activist's Funeral, Ignored by Media

Thousands attended the funeral of Pashtun activist Gilaman Wazir. The procession passed from Islamabad to Waziristan, unreported by mainstream media. PTM leaders called for protests, highlighting Pakistani government oppression. Analysts noted growing distrust and social unrest.

Thousands of people gathered for the funeral procession of slain Pashtun activist Gilaman Wazir as his casket journeyed from Islamabad to his native village in Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan. Despite the massive turnout, mainstream media in Pakistan did not cover the event, Voice of America reported.

During the procession, a senior leader from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) echoed calls for protests to demand Pashtun rights. Wazir, who was attacked in Islamabad on July 7 and succumbed to severe injuries four days later, had previously raised activism-related views that incited Pakistani authorities' anger. He was arrested in Bahrain in 2020 at Pakistan's request and deported, according to VOA.

"He was a laborer in Bahrain, deported through Interpol, imprisoned, and kept in an internment center where he was bitten by dogs and given electric shocks," PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen said at a public gathering. The Pakistani administration has yet to respond to these claims, as reported by VOA.

PTM stated that Wazir was on the Exit Control List until his death, restricting his movements outside Pakistan. The former head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan noted a media ban on PTM activities since 2019. At Wazir's funeral, Manzoor Pashteen declared, "It is clear that things are no longer possible between us and you. Do not lose your courage. We may lose many lives, but we will not give up this land," TOLO News reported.

Political analyst Mohammad Aslam Danishmal explained that growing distrust between the Pakistani government and tribal communities has had significant political and social repercussions. Another analyst, Khair Mohammad Sultani, described Wazir's death as a "significant loss for both sides," emphasizing that a nation that rises against injustice won't be silenced.

(With inputs from agencies.)