Brief Introduction
[20.Jun.2025 - 06:53]In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Brief Introduction to the Foundational Goals of the Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP)
The purpose of this program is to help the members, supporters, and sympathizers of the Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP) understand the party’s goals.
These fundamental goals are not described in full detail but are rather a summary of some key objectives, aligned with the current needs and realities of the country and region.
If we closely examine the historical trajectory of Pashtunkhwa, we find that throughout different eras, national and liberation movements have arisen on Pashtun soil against colonial invasions.
In 1929, under the leadership of the great Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Fakhr-e-Afghan Bacha Khan), the nonviolent freedom movement Khudai Khidmatgar was formed to resist British colonial forces. The Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP) is a continuation and part of that national movement.
After the Soviet invasion of northern Pashtunkhwa, some of the movement’s supporters saw the need for a political party based on true democracy, Pashtun traditions, and social justice.
After extensive preparation, dialogue, and cooperation, the decision to found the Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP) was made on January 1, 1981. A committee was formed under the leadership of the late Dr. Kabir Stori, comprising notable figures such as Ali Khan Mehsud, Liaqat Watanpal, and the late Qudus Tandar. This committee was tasked with drafting the party’s constitution and manifesto.
The party’s foundational charter was endorsed by Pashtun freedom movement supporters both inside and outside the country and was officially adopted during a founding session on February 27, 1981, marking the formal announcement of the party’s establishment.
As a party for the unity and freedom of all Pashtuns, it brought together Pashtuns from both eastern and western Pashtunkhwa (Greater Afghanistan) under the leadership of Dr. Kabir Stori, turning the dream of Pashtun unity into action.
The Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP), which bears the historical responsibility of the Pashtun people, is the collective home and national front for all Pashtuns.
It struggles tirelessly to awaken Pashtun national consciousness, secure Pashtun rights within a democratic framework, and promote prosperity, development, independence, and national unity. This is done in accordance with Pashtun culture, customs, traditions, and the principles of Pashtunwali.
From its inception, the party has faced many trials, hardships, and challenges but has kept its light shining.
Several cultural, political, and non-political organizations within and outside the country are products and achievements of the PSDP.
The PSDP firmly believes that Pashtuns are one entity and that until they reclaim their national identity, their social issues cannot be resolved, and no Pashtun can achieve dignity, respect, or honor.
Core Values:
- Pashtunwali, social justice, and democracy form the foundation of the Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP).
- The official language of the PSDP is Pashto.
- In accordance with international democratic norms, the majority language of the people should become the country’s official, national, administrative, and educational language (including for higher education).
- The PSDP will take necessary steps to promote and develop the native languages of minority ethnic groups in the country.
- Pashtuns are a peace-loving and stabilizing force in the region. Without Pashtun unity, prosperity, and stability, there can be no peace or development in the region. Therefore, the PSDP promotes nonviolent struggle for the national unity and solidarity of the Pashtuns, considering this its core objective and mission.
- The PSDP shares ideological unity and close relations with other national parties, movements, political and non-political organizations that have emerged from the nonviolent Khudai Khidmatgar movement, and has always supported their causes.
- The PSDP respects and values the sacrifices and struggles of all its national, political, and grassroots leaders, treating them with equal honor.
- The PSDP has declared November 12 as Pashtun Unity Day and has been commemorating it annually in various forms since 1993.
- The PSDP strives for the progress and strengthening of the sacred religion of Islam, while also respecting other religious beliefs and freedoms. It supports the protection of others’ religious rights and advocates for fair and respectful treatment of all faiths.
10. Life is a blessing from the Almighty God to His creation. The Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP) places the highest value on human life, dignity, and respect. It seeks to ensure that no one is subjected to physical or psychological (mental/spiritual) abuse in an inhumane manner and that everyone enjoys equal rights in all aspects of life.
11. Freedom is an inherent, natural, and fundamental human right. The PSDP advocates for freedom of thought, opinion, speech, writing, peaceful protests, sit-ins, gatherings, and strikes, without discrimination based on race, gender, or ethnicity.
12. The PSDP strives to build a society in which every individual can freely and independently develop their personality and participate in the political, economic, and cultural affairs of society in service to humanity.
13. The PSDP rejects all forms of dictatorship, absolute rule, and one-party systems that destroy human freedoms and rights. It seeks to establish a just democratic government that guarantees the rights of all ethnic groups according to their population size.
14. The PSDP seeks cooperation with social democrats, democratic parties, groups, and organizations with shared goals in various areas through different forms of collaboration.
15. The PSDP seeks to secure the country’s rightful place in the international community, and aims to establish close cooperation and good relations in economic, political, cultural, and other areas of life with peace-loving global powers and neighboring countries based on mutual respect, good neighborliness, and equal rights.
16. The PSDP works to create avenues for regional economic cooperation in various forms with nations that share mutual economic interests with our country in the regional and global economic markets.
17. Language is a symbol of national identity and plays a key role in human life. The PSDP considers the promotion, strengthening, and advancement of the Pashto language, culture, art, and literature a core responsibility and strives tirelessly in this regard.
18. The PSDP wants the three branches of government – legislative, executive, and judiciary – to be based on Pashtunwali (the traditional Pashtoon code of conduct), and for the decisions of Pashtoon Jirgas (tribal councils) to acquire official recognition.
19. Education, learning, teaching, and training are fundamental rights of every citizen of the country.
20. Education up to the 10th grade shall be mandatory for all citizens, and the government shall be responsible for all affairs and costs of higher education until its completion.
21. Education should provide everyone with the opportunity to develop their talent and knowledge without hindrance. People should be free to choose their profession, occupation, field of study, and type of higher education based on their interests, talents, abilities, and the needs of society.
22. Special attention should be given to vocational schools and technical education, as they not only contribute to the development of the country but also empower individuals to become self-reliant.
23. The PSDP ensures favorable conditions and essential facilities, including access to modern technology, for the sound education and training of youth, who are the driving force behind the country’s overall development and future.
24. The PSDP will take decisive steps to establish and expand educational, research, and information centers, libraries, primary, secondary, higher, vocational, and technical schools, academic institutions, and institutes across the country.
25. The state will strengthen academic research and apply its results to benefit the public and support the development of society.
26. The PSDP considers it its duty to eliminate illiteracy and, using advanced science and technology, to build educational and training centers, schools, and universities under a special plan in backward and war-affected areas.
27. The PSDP gives special attention to women’s education so they can actively participate in rebuilding the country and in all areas of life.
28. The PSDP will develop effective programs to promote industrial growth, increase production, and improve the standard of living for the people.
29. The PSDP encourages both domestic and international investors and entrepreneurs to invest in the country. The government will guarantee the protection of their investments.
30. The PSDP will strengthen production, productive resources, the economy, and private property in a way that creates jobs and leads to the industrialization of the country. Industry will be widespread and decentralized rather than concentrated in specific regions.
31. The Pashtoon Social Democratic Party (PSDP) will survey, research, protect, and monitor the national assets of the country — including mountains, forests and their wildlife, deserts, underground natural resources, minerals, and historical cultural heritage.
32. The PSDP will take necessary steps to ensure the development, safeguarding, improvement, and efficient, sustainable use of national resources.
33. Labor is a fundamental right of every citizen. The state is responsible for creating job opportunities. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Those who cannot find work or are unable to work will be supported by the state to ensure their livelihood.
34. The state will provide comprehensive support to the underprivileged — including the poor, the elderly, single women, orphans, and the homeless.
35. The PSDP will mobilize all available resources to ensure social security, improve living standards, meet basic human needs, and eliminate poverty.
36. As the majority of the population depends on agriculture and livestock, the PSDP will give special attention to this sector. It will ensure farmers and herders have access to modern agricultural technology, quality seeds, and other essential resources.
37. The PSDP will take necessary steps for the education, welfare, and settlement of nomadic communities (Kochis) in suitable areas.
38. Electricity is a foundation of national development. The PSDP will build dams on all rivers to provide electricity for the people and to develop industry and create jobs.
39. The PSDP will build river canals, water channels, deep wells, and traditional underground irrigation systems (Karez) to cultivate barren lands, increase production, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
40. Public health and environmental protection are top priorities. The PSDP will ensure access to clean drinking water, maintain clean rivers, streams, parks, and gardens, and provide free treatment and prevention of diseases.
41. The PSDP will establish hospitals, clinics, and health centers not only in major cities but also in districts, villages, and remote areas, and will introduce a health insurance system.
42. The family is the foundation of society. The PSDP will prioritize the care, health, and upbringing of mothers and children.
43. Media — including the press, radio, television, theater, and film — will be developed in line with national culture, traditions, and democratic principles, using local languages. Minority groups will have the right to produce media in their own mother tongues.
44. Communication and the internet are essential for the comprehensive development of the country. The PSDP will ensure the availability of modern communication technology and internet access throughout the nation.
45. The PSDP gives top priority to the reconstruction of war-affected Pashtoon areas.
46. The tribal regions of the Pashtoons, which have been historically marginalized and turned into war zones, will receive special attention through education, cultural, economic, social, and political development programs.
47. The PSDP considers it a top priority to educate and train teachers, professors, and experts to raise awareness and consciousness among the Pashtoon nation.
48. For the development of cities and villages, the PSDP will build roads, railways, bridges, houses, canals, and dams. It will ensure proper drinking water, sewerage systems, parks, kindergartens, and sports and recreation areas are established.
49. The PSDP supports the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right of self-determination for all nations. It strongly opposes all forms of colonialism and imperialism.
50. Protecting the national interests, the people, and the overall security of the country is a top priority for the PSDP.
51. Defending the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and freedom is the duty of every citizen and the responsibility of the armed forces. Local and national police are responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting citizens.
52. Judges, prosecutors, members of security forces, police, and military personnel will not be allowed to participate in political activities during their service.
53. The armed forces and security forces will be under the control of the National Assembly and the government.
54. The state will be democratic, governed by law and justice. The Supreme Court will be independent and separate from the executive.
55. The judiciary and Supreme Court will ensure justice for all citizens — regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or background.
56. Power belongs to the people, and it will be exercised directly or through elected representatives. There will be a National Assembly (Wolesi Jirga) and a Senate (Meshrano Jirga). Based on geographic and administrative needs, the country will be divided into provinces, districts, and sub-districts. Each unit will have its own elected council, chosen through general, direct, free elections based on a multi-party system.
57. The PSDP will revive and strengthen traditional and social structures of the Pashtoon people, which in the past prevented political and social crises but have recently been weakened by governments, political, and religious groups.
58. The PSDP believes in the free movement, free trade, and unrestricted residence of all Pashtoons across their entire historical homeland, without passports or questioning.
59. In order to end the bloodshed among Pashtoons caused by ethnic violence, wars, and internal conflicts, the PSDP calls for an authorized, tradition-based national jirga representing the entire Pashtoon nation. This jirga, in cooperation with peaceful regional and international forces, should find solutions to the ongoing crises and bring an end to war.
(Approved in November 2012)