Zubair Wazir Flags Waziristan Citizens’ Grievances to Talal Chaudhry in Islamabad

State Minister for Interior Promises Quick Release of Innocent Detainees

Hamid Khan Wazir

ISLAMABAD: Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Upper and Lower South Waziristan, Zubair Khan Wazir, on Tuesday voiced serious concerns over the alleged harassment and unlawful arrests of Pashtuns—particularly residents of Waziristan—in the federal capital.

During an important meeting with State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the MNA highlighted the growing grievances of the Pashtun community in Islamabad.

During the discussion on Tuesday, MNA Zubair Khan Wazir adopted a firm and uncompromising stance on the treatment of Waziristan-origin citizens residing in Islamabad. He expressed these views in a statement posted on his Facebook account.

MNA Zubair flagged reports suggesting that people from Waziristan have been picked up without clear justification and detained in the absence of due legal process for extended periods, raising serious concerns about compliance with the Constitution and the rule of law.

He emphasized that the people of Waziristan have made immense sacrifices for the country and said that any form of harassment despite these sacrifices was unacceptable under any circumstances. He urged the minister to take immediate steps to ensure justice for innocent citizens of the long-neglected and deprived region.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry offered a clear assurance, stating that no innocent citizen would be arrested in the future. He further said that individuals currently in the custody of police or other institutions would be released at the earliest upon verification of their innocence.

Reaffirming his commitment, MNA Zubair Khan Wazir said he would continue to raise his voice on every forum to safeguard the rights of the people of Waziristan and would not remain silent in the face of injustice. He vowed that any injustice against the people of Waziristan would not be tolerated, adding, “We stand firmly with our people.”