30/07/2025
There is a growing belief that the Pashtun regions in Pakistan are rich in rare earth minerals as well as untapped oil and gas reserves, some of the largest in the world. Many argue that this vast natural wealth is a key reason why these areas have been plagued by conflict, instability, and systematic oppression. Instead of benefiting from these resources, the local Pashtun population continues to endure harsh living conditions and political marginalization.
Critics contend that the ongoing struggle is not truly about peace or counterterrorism, but rather about controlling these valuable assets. While the national actor and usurper the Pakistan military and the international actor such as the U.S. Central Command are often implicated in this broader geopolitical agenda.Many believe the primary force behind the exploitation is the Punjabi establishment, particularly the Punjabi-dominated Pakistani military. Allegations persist that this military elite has played a central role in extracting resources from Pashtun lands while actively suppressing demands for rights, representation, and regional autonomy.
Despite years of protests, demonstrations, and political activism by Pashtun communities, meaningful change remains elusive. This has only reinforced the perception that the conflict is, at its core, a resource war, strategically masked as a security operation, with both domestic and international powers deeply complicit.
One can see this reflected in the final part of Donald Trump’s tweet today, which many interpret as a direct acknowledgment of the resource-driven motives behind the ongoing oppression in the region.