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.

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

The Pashtun Qaumi Jirga marks a new phase of Pashtun nationalism, with a swathe of demands challenging the Pakistan state’s treatment of Pashtuns and growing support from mainstream political parties

By Hurmat Ali Shah

/ 31 Oct 2024

Pashtuns gather for a grand jirga at Jamrud in October 2024. The event went ahead despite a nominal ban on the Pashtun Tahafu

Pashto poetry’s journey from love to war and resistance

With Pashtuns suffering massive violence from the Taliban, Islamist militants and the Pakistan state, Pashto poetry today reflects the community’s new blood-soaked reality

By Hurmat Ali Shah

/ 16 Oct 2023