Should Pashtuns of Afghanistan Join Pakistan? Exploring the Modern Relevance of Ethnic Unity

The longstanding debate over the political status of regions in South Asia, particularly the Pashtun areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, raises important questions about ethnic unity and state formation. This article delves into the historical, cultural, and geopolitical aspects of this issue, exploring whether joining these regions into a unified entity could benefit the Pashtun communities.

Historical Context and Ethnic Majorities

The concept of joining regions or countries is an outdated one, often rooted in historical, colonial, and geopolitical factors. In the context of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the majority Pashtun ethnic group constitutes a significant portion of the combined population, especially if these regions were hypothetically connected. According to estimates, a two-thirds majority of the combined population of Balochistan, KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and parts of Afghanistan would consist of Pashtuns. This demographic reality presents an opportunity for a potential federation or confederation that could bring a large portion of the Pashtun people closer together.

Current Population Dynamics

Currently, there are approximately 90 million Pashtuns, with about 60 million residing in Pakistan and the remainder in Afghanistan. The KPK province of Pakistan hosts the highest concentration of Pashtuns, with estimates ranging from 38 to 42 million, inclusive of Afghan refugees. The migration of Pashtuns from Afghanistan to KPK over the past 5 centuries, and ongoing, has had significant cultural and demographic impacts. Some of the well-known Pashtun tribes, such as the Ghilzai, Durrani, and Turi, are among those that have settled in these regions.

Challenges and Benefits of Modern Solutions

While the historical context presents a compelling argument for potential unity, modern solutions such as federalism, loose confederation, or even a decentralized federation offer practical alternatives. These options could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for the Pashtun communities. Such a framework would not only address the needs of a large, divided population but also mitigate the risks of external invasions and interventions that have plagued the region since 1839 AD.

Implications of Superpower Invasions

The recurring invasions of the region since 1839 AD have had devastating consequences for the local population. The 19th and 20th centuries saw numerous interventions, leading to widespread devastation, displacement, and economic hardship. These external forces have influenced the local priorities and weakened the social fabric of the communities. A modern, unified approach focusing on internal development and regional cooperation could effectively counter these negative effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while joining Pashtun areas of Afghanistan to Pakistan might seem a straightforward solution, the modern context requires a more nuanced approach. Through political solutions like federalism or confederation, the potential for a more stable and prosperous future can be realized. The focus should be on upgrading the entire population to modernity, thereby ensuring that the benefits of such a union reach all inhabitants.

The future of the Pashtun communities in South Asia depends on embracing modern political realities and seeking cooperative solutions that address the historical and contemporary challenges faced by these regions.