Afghans Protest in Sacramento Against Pakistan Army’s Attack on Afghanistan
Afghan diaspora protesters rally in Sacramento to condemn the Pakistan Army’s attacks on Afghanistan, calling for international action and justice for civilian victims. Photo: @Afghan Cultural Society
By Wakeel Attock
Afghan diaspora protesters gathered in downtown Sacramento on Sunday, October 19, to denounce what they described as unprovoked attacks by the Pakistan Army on Afghan territory.
The protest, organized by the Afghan Cultural Society of California, brought together Afghan Americans, human rights advocates, and supporters demanding international accountability for the loss of civilian lives.
According to organizers, the recent assaults by Pakistan’s military have killed and injured hundreds of civilians, including women, children, students, and Afghan cricket players. Demonstrators accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and perpetuating decades of instability through its support for extremist groups.
Carrying banners reading “Stop Killing Afghans” and “Justice for the Victims,” protesters called on the United Nations and global human rights organizations to launch an immediate investigation into what they called war crimes committed by Pakistan.
The protesters also urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to suspend financial assistance to Islamabad, alleging that international funds are being diverted to support militant networks.
“The people of Afghanistan have suffered enough. The world must not stay silent while Pakistan continues to bomb our homes and kill innocent people,” said the president of the Afghan Cultural Society, addressing the crowd.
Demonstrators also called on the United States government to reassess its diplomatic and military relations with Pakistan, citing its ongoing role in harboring and financing extremist groups that threaten regional and global security.
Beyond condemning Pakistan’s actions, protesters voiced concerns about the Taliban government’s failure to protect Afghan sovereignty and its continued repression of women and minorities.
“The Taliban must work for national unity, involve the Afghan people in major decisions, and open doors for political dialogue,” said one community leader.
Others echoed calls for the reopening of girls’ schools and universities across Afghanistan, describing education as a non-negotiable human right.
In recent days, reports have surfaced of a ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan following the deadly cross-border strikes. While both sides have framed the truce as a step toward stability, many Afghans remain deeply skeptical.
Protesters in Sacramento said Pakistan has a long history of backing militant groups and using them as proxies to exert control in Afghanistan. They fear that any ceasefire will serve only Pakistan’s strategic interests, not peace for Afghan civilians.
The Afghan Cultural Society reaffirmed its commitment to raising international awareness about Pakistan’s destabilizing policies and advocating for peace and justice in Afghanistan.
“We want peace, dignity, and justice for our people,” the group declared in a statement. “The international community must stop ignoring Pakistan’s terrorist activities and stand with the Afghan nation.”
Sunday’s demonstration was one of several Afghan diaspora protests held in recent days across North America and Europe, signaling growing frustration with Pakistan’s regional actions and the global community’s muted response.
Afghan poet Wakeel Attock previously served as the director of culture for the eastern provinces of Laghman and Nooristan.
Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.
