Advocating for Justice and Human Rights: Afghan Diaspora Rallies in Vienna

By ADN

On October 19, 2024, a group of Afghan diaspora members gathered in Vienna to advocate for the rights of Pashtuns and other oppressed peoples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Afghanistan.

The demonstration expressed solidarity with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and supported the resolutions passed at their recent historic jirga in Khyber.

The PTM’s jirga that was held October 11-13 highlighted the devastating consequences of decades of militancy and anti-terrorism operations in the region, which have displaced millions and resulted in over 76,000 deaths, displacing over two million people.

Wasil Faizi, an Afghan diaspora activist in Vienna, explained the historical context of the PTM, which emerged ten years ago in response to the Pakistani government’s oppressive measures.

Faizi criticized the Pakistani government’s use of tribal areas as training grounds for “good Taliban” to fight against Afghanistan. He distinguished between these groups, highlighting the destructive impact of the “good Taliban” on both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The lives of ordinary Pashtuns in the region are already challenging, and since the American intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, conditions have deteriorated significantly. The Pakistani government has once used the tribal areas to train what they refer to as “good” Taliban, who are fought for Pakistan’s interests against Afghanistan, Faizi stated.

He articulated this distinction, stating, “the ‘good’ Taliban are those who fight for Pakistani interests, while the ‘bad’ Taliban are those who fight in Pakistan.”

The demonstrators called for an end to the Pakistani military’s occupation of tribal areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the need for justice, human rights, and the dignity of all individuals. They condemned terrorism and called for an end to support for extremist groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The protesters also urged the international community to take decisive action against state-supported terrorism in Pakistan and to ensure the protection of human rights in the region. They emphasized the rights of women and the need for the release of political prisoners.

The Afghan diaspora called for accountability and demanded that Pakistan cease harboring terrorist networks and rebuild homes destroyed by conflict. They expressed their unwavering commitment to the struggle for peace, justice, and freedom in the region.

“The Pakistani army must end its presence in the tribal areas immediately,” said Rahim Zazai, one of the protesters.

Beyond the Demonstration

The Vienna rally was a significant event that drew attention to the plight of Pashtuns and other oppressed peoples in the region. It highlighted the ongoing human rights crisis and the need for international action.

“Terrorism that has plagued this region for decades must be brought to an end. Groups like the TTP should no longer have any foothold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan must cease its support for these destructive elements, as this endangers not only Afghanistan but the entire region and threatens global stability,” said Zazai.  

The demonstration also underscored the role of the Afghan diaspora in advocating for justice and human rights. By organizing and participating in such events, the diaspora can amplify the voices of those who are suffering and bring attention to their struggles.

The challenges faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Afghanistan are complex and multifaceted. However, the demonstration in Vienna demonstrated that the international community has a responsibility to address these challenges and ensure that human rights are respected.

“The women in this region must no longer be ignored. Their voices and struggles are our own,” said Zazai.