The death of Geelaman Wazir, a revolutionary poet and prominent member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has sparked widespread reactions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and beyond.
According to Tarz Press, Geelaman Wazir succumbed to injuries from stab wounds on the evening of July 10. Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of PTM, confirmed last night that Wazir is no longer among them. The shocking news of his death led to extensive reactions from activists and politicians within Afghanistan, Pakistan, and beyond, who described the incident as tragic and unbearable. Many political and human rights activists have stated that Geelaman Wazir's poetry was not only a voice for the rights of Pashtuns under Pakistani rule but also a call for justice. He frequently criticized the Pakistani government's repressive and conspiratorial policies against Pashtuns. Wazir's poetry clearly depicted the systematic and organized removal of Pashtun rights activists by the Pakistani government.
Manzoor Pashteen, in repeated statements, has criticized the Islamabad government and recently claimed that Geelaman Wazir was killed as a result of a conspiracy orchestrated by the Pakistani intelligence agency. Political and human rights activists regard Geelaman Wazir as a revolutionary figure, symbolizing patriotism, resistance, and standing against oppression.
Former Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Geelaman Wazir was a "true patriot" who never backed down from his positions until the end of his life. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also expressed his condolences to Wazir's family on X and deeply regretted the tragedy.
Amrullah Saleh, the first vice president under Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, referenced the targeted and organized killings in Pakistan in his statement on X, writing: "The clues to such bloody deaths in Pakistan have never been found and never will be."
Mohsin Dawar, leader of the National Democratic Movement and a key member of PTM, wrote on X that Geelaman Wazir's poetry "beautifully portrayed overcoming difficult conditions." Afrasiab Khattak, a former Pakistani senator and politician, also remembered Geelaman Wazir as a "symbol of resistance, freedom, and struggle."
Geelaman Wazir was known for his cheerful personality and gained particular popularity among Pashtuns for his nationalist poetry and epic songs. His poems often addressed sensitive issues and sharply criticized Pakistan's security matters. In 2023, Wazir was arrested for criticizing the Pakistani army and inciting the public and was released in February 2024 after about eight months in prison. After his release, Wazir stated that he was severely beaten in prison and that the Pakistani government did not comply with international laws regarding the treatment of prisoners.
Pakistani police have reported that Wazir was attacked with sticks and knives by a man named Azad Khan Dawar and ten others. Although Dawar has not commented on the matter, Manzoor Pashteen stated that Wazir was killed as part of a conspiracy organized by the Pakistani intelligence agency. Pashteen mentioned that he has sufficient evidence regarding this conspiracy and will release it later.
