The brutal assassination of a visionary Pukhtoon nationalist, religious scholar, and ANP politician, Maulana Khan Zaib, is a stark reminder of the entrenched security issues plaguing the region. The fact that he was gunned down while campaigning for a peaceful gathering in the former FATA region, with a white flag bearing the message “We want peace from the state” is a poignant irony.
The torn and blood-stained flag serves as a powerful symbol of the state’s failure to ensure security and protect its citizens. It also underscores the perception that state security departments are complicit in perpetuating violence and instability for personal gains. This notion is reinforced by the historical context of Pakistan’s security apparatus, which has often been accused of manipulating and exploiting regional conflicts to justify its own existence and interests.
The former FATA region, now merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has long been a hotbed of militancy and violence. The area has been plagued by Taliban insurgency, drone strikes, and military operations, leaving deep scars on the local population. The region’s complex security dynamics have created a power vacuum, which has been exploited by various actors, including state security agencies, militant groups, and external forces.
In this context, the murdered politician’s campaign for a peaceful gathering was a courageous attempt to challenge the dominant narrative of violence and militarism. His message of peace and reconciliation resonated with the local population, who have borne the brunt of decades-long conflict.
The Pakistani state’s response to this assassination will be closely watched. Will it conduct a genuine investigation, or will it resort to its usual tactics of denial and obfuscation? The international community must also take notice of this incident and press Pakistan to ensure accountability and justice for the victim and his family.
Ultimately, the killing of this visionary leader serves as a stark reminder of the need for a fundamental shift in Pakistan’s security paradigm. The state must prioritize the protection of its citizens’ lives and rights over its own interests and agendas. Only then can the region hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Inam Ullah
The writer is a Lecturer in International Relations at NUML (Peshawar Campus).
