Pakistan belongs equally to Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Saraikis and Pashtuns, opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai said.
Speaking at a Grand Pashtun National Jirga, he called for equal rights for all nationalities.
He also said that Pakistan should have no masters or slaves.
According to Achakzai, the Constitution and the law must protect the rights of all citizens.
Grand Pashtun Jirga Begins
The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has organized the three-day jirga.
Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai is chairing the gathering.
Tribal elders from different Pashtun areas are attending the event.
Representatives from different fields are also taking part.
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Meanwhile, PkMAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai is leading discussions at the gathering.
The organizers said the jirga will continue until September 1.
Jirga Continues Bannu National Gathering
Achakzai said the event continues the work of the Bannu National Jirga.
He stressed that the gathering does not belong to one political party.
Instead, he described it as a gathering for the future and rights of the Pashtun people.
He added that the jirga will discuss major political, security and economic issues.
Pashtun Areas Have Rich Resources
Achakzai said Pashtun areas have large deposits of natural resources.
He mentioned lithium, gold, silver, copper and other rare minerals.
Despite this wealth, many young people from these areas travel abroad for work, he said.
For example, he pointed to young people working in Dubai.
Achakzai questioned why local people cannot benefit from the resources of their own areas.
Therefore, he called for the people to receive their constitutional share of these resources.
Achakzai Calls for an End to Violence
The PkMAP chairman rejected the description of Pashtuns as terrorists.
Instead, he described Pashtuns as peaceful, hospitable and caring people.
He also called for an end to violence in Pashtun areas.
In particular, Achakzai referred to the Ziarat incident and other violent events.
He said continued violence has placed the lives, property and dignity of Pashtun people at serious risk.
Political Talks Are the Way Forward
Achakzai said guns cannot solve political problems.
Instead, he called political dialogue the best way to resolve disputes.
He also said Pashtuns were not asking anyone for charity.
Rather, he said they wanted their legal and constitutional rights over the resources of their land.
According to Achakzai, the Pashtun community will decide its future through the Grand National Jirga.
Jirga to Focus on Future
The three-day gathering has brought together tribal elders and people from different parts of the Pashtun community.
The participants are expected to discuss political, security and economic concerns.
They will also consider ways to address issues facing Pashtun areas.
The organizers said the Grand Pashtun National Jirga will continue through September 1.
