Islamabad, Pakistan – A tragic incident has shaken the Pashtun community in Pakistan, as Gilaman Wazir, a prominent leader and poet, was brutally attacked and fatally stabbed on July 7. After the assault, Wazir was rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, where he tragically passed away.
The leader and founder of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Manzoor Pashteen, expressed his grief and confirmed Wazir’s death in a heartfelt speech to supporters gathered outside the hospital. Describing Wazir as a close friend, strong advocate for independence, and true spokesperson of the Pashtun Afghan people, Pashteen emphasized Wazir’s unwavering dedication to fighting against oppression.
Following Wazir’s death, the Pashtun community in Pakistan has been engulfed in unrest, with the PTM organizing protests nationwide and globally to denounce what they perceive as targeted attacks on their community. The PTM has also criticized the Pakistani government’s actions, referring to them as genocidal under the guise of the Azm-e-Istihkam operation.
The loss of Gilaman Wazir is considered a significant blow to the PTM and the Pashtun community, given his leadership and influential role as a poet. Despite the tragedy, the movement remains steadfast in its demands for justice and protection for Pashtuns in Pakistan amidst escalating violence and oppression.
As the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement continues to advocate for the rights and safety of Pashtuns, the death of Gilaman Wazir serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by those striving for justice and equality in the region. The movement’s call for accountability and support for marginalized communities echoes loudly in the wake of this devastating loss.