This post is also available in: العربية (Arabic) اردو (Urdu)
The #PashtunLongMarch, which lasted for almost two weeks, after the extra-judicial murder of Naqeebullah Meshud, ended on the State’s guarantee that Rao Anwar would soon be apprehended and Mehsud would be given justice, along with recovery of other missing FATA men.
However, almost after 2 months of Naqeebullah’s death, Rao Anwar still remains at large, as police and other Law Enforcing Agencies fail to arrest him. Salt on the Pashtun wounds was added this morning, as reports emerged of the death of Naqeebullah’s close friend, Aftab Mehsud.
As reported, Aftab Mehsud was the leading character in setting up the protest for justice in Naqeebullah’s murder. Aftab played an active roll throughout the protests and was highlighted on social media as well.
On Saturday, Aftab Mehsud’s bullet-ridden body was recovered from Dera Ismail Khan in mysterious circumstances. An FIR has been lodged against ‘na-maloon afraad’ as it usually does. The body was recovered from an under-construction site. Sources said that a piece of paper was found with the body on which names of the victim and his father and his telephone number were written.
Aftab protested heavily against Naqeebullah’s death and it is being believed as the main reason of his death. He was highlighted in the 10-day protest which demanded the arrest of Rao Anwar and recovery of all the missing persons from Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA).
Pashtun kids killed all around. An active participant of #PashtunLongMarch killed today. #Aftab_Mehsud . Another peaceful Pashtun voice silenced. pic.twitter.com/AVP83GuyXk
— Mona (@mo2005) February 24, 2018
1st: Aftab Mehsud from Waziristan, active participant of #PashtunLongMarch, friend of #NaqeebMehsud, was martyred today in DI khan
2nd: Ehsanuddin from Bajaur, active participant of the march, martyred 2day on his way to Bajaur
Pls, raise voice!#JusticeForAftab#JusticeForEhsan pic.twitter.com/Waqa9byq72— Sabaun Gran ⭕ (@SabauunG) February 24, 2018
The liberals of Islamabad Karachi and Lahore silence and indifference to Pashtun young men killing is taking the gloss of pakistaniat for me. And it’s good that we know where we stand in the scheme of things. #AftabMehsud.
— Mona (@mo2005) February 25, 2018
An innocent citizen has been shot dead & what does the killing of an active organiser of the Islamabad dharna AftabMehsud convey? Only police & agencies alone can help trace the killers who can provide the critical answers to Who? Why? & Whom ? pic.twitter.com/RNjg1QYqiI
— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) February 24, 2018
The murder of Aftab Mehsud is now sparking controversy again, as the Pashtun brethren of Pakistan were already annoyed and were ready to rebel if their demands were not met. This incident has added fuel to fire and the diligent agencies of Pakistan need to arrest both Rao Anwar and Aftab’s killers soon.
