Viral video: ‘If India attacks Pakistan, Pashtun will stand with the Indian Army,’ says Islamic preacher in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A video of an Islamic preacher from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has gone viral connected societal media, successful which helium claims that the Pashtun assemblage volition basal with the Indian Army if India attacks Pakistan. The video emerged amid heightened tensions betwixt India and Pakistan aft the caller panic onslaught successful Pahalgam, successful which 26 Indian tourists were killed.

‘We volition ne'er accidental Zindabad for Pakistan’

In the video, the preacher addresses a section assemblage and says successful Pashto, “If India attacks Pakistan, we Pashtun volition instantly basal with the Indian Army against Pakistan Army. They person committed truthful galore atrocities against america Pashtun, and you deliberation we volition accidental Zindabad for Pakistan? Never.”

The preacher refers to past subject operations, disappearances, and economical neglect successful Pashtun regions by Pakistan’s establishment. The video was reportedly recorded during a nationalist gathering, though the nonstop day and determination are not confirmed. ET has not independently verified the authenticity of the video.

The connection gains traction online

The video gained traction aft it was shared by respective users connected X (formerly Twitter), drafting attraction from some Indian and Pakistani users. Some Indian users praised the preacher's statement, portion others questioned the authenticity and intent down the message. Several Pakistani users expressed interest implicit the increasing discontent among the Pashtun population.

Pashtun discontent with Pakistan’s subject establishment

Pashtun groups, peculiarly successful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Balochistan, person agelong accused the Pakistan Army of quality rights violations. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a civilian rights movement, has been vocal against the military’s alleged suppression, amerciable detentions, and enforced disappearances.

Security concerns successful the portion escalate

The video comes amid precocious hostility betwixt India and Pakistan aft a deadly violent onslaught successful Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists.