As an individual deeply affected by this situation, I bring to your attention the alarming issue of the alleged persecution of the Pashtoon community by the Pakistani state — a grave concern that requires international scrutiny. There are strong and worrying claims that children, women, and men of all ages within the Pashtoon community have been targeted unjustly for the sake of acquiring monetary assistance from the United States.

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2021 highlights the plight of Pakistan’s Pashtun ethnic minority among others, boning the fact that they often face human rights abuses in the country. This ethnic persecution undermines basic human rights, including the right to life, personal security, and the freedom from persecution.

By making false pretenses of combats against terrorism, the Pakistani state is allegedly jeopardizing countless innocent lives merely to secure funds from foreign nations. It is integral for the international community to verify these accounts and, if they are found to be accurate, to act urgently for the compliance of human rights in the country.

We petition that the U.S. government and international human rights bodies think twice before providing any more monetary assistance to the Pakistani state for wars, until the above-stated allegations have been substantiated and addressed. By doing so, we will be encouraging a more transparent, fair, and compassionate use of international resources. Please sign this petition and stand against the indiscriminate violence towards the Pashtoon community.