Hurmat Ali Shah

Hurmat Ali Shah is currently a postdoctoral researcher. He writes on socio-political issues and is particularly interested in core–periphery relations in Pakistan.

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Pashtuns gather for a grand jirga at Jamrud in October 2024. The event went ahead despite a nominal ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, and the Pashtun struggle moving in new directions in its confrontation with militant groups and the Pakistan state.

Pakistan’s futile ban on the PTM fails to stop a major consolidation of the Pashtun struggle

Hurmat Ali Shah

31 Oct 2024

Manzoor Pashteen speaking at a Pashtun Tahafuz Movement rally. During the PTM's first, seismic protests in 2018, a chant emerged and became an anthem for thousands of disenchanted Pashtun youth. The words articulated helplessness, frustration and collective loss, but nestled within was also a fierce desire for freedom. In this, the anthem illustrated an intense thematic shift in Pashtun poetry over the last 10 to 15 years, going from the subjects of love, mysticism and beauty that earlier dominated the tradition to ones of war, oppression and a longing for peace. Photo courtesy: Voice of America/Picryl

Pashto poetry’s journey from love to war and resistance

Hurmat Ali Shah

16 Oct 2023

The Peshawar mosque blast is only the most recent instance of violence, highlighting the impact of increased militancy in the region. Supporters of the Awami National Party and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement take part in a peace march to demand better security. February 2023. Photo: Pacific Press Agency / IMAGO

Pashtuns will not be pawns in Pakistan’s dangerous game with the TTP and Taliban

Hurmat Ali Shah

17 Feb 2023

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