KABUL: Mohammad Karim Khalili, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, has called for justice and equal citizenship rights for the Hazara community, marking September 25, a day commemorated by some Hazara activists as a day of remembrance for victims of historical massacres.
In a message, Khalili addressed the Taliban and said, “Abdul Rahman could not destroy the Hazaras; nor can you.” He said the Hazara community has deep roots in Afghanistan and seeks justice, equality and the right to live alongside the country’s other ethnic and religious communities.
Referring to the rule of Abdul Rahman Khan, Khalili said September 25, 1892, remains part of Hazara historical memory because of what he described as killings, looting, destruction and displacement. He claimed that after the defeat of Hazara resistance, government forces entered Arghandab and killed residents, seized property and destroyed homes.
Khalili cited historical estimates claiming that 62 percent of the Hazara population was affected by the policies of that period. Historical estimates of casualties and demographic losses during Abdul Rahman Khan’s rule vary among sources.
Khalili also criticized the treatment of Hazaras in recent decades, citing attacks on religious, educational, sports, health and community facilities. He accused the Taliban of discrimination, restrictions and property confiscations.
He called on the United Nations, human rights organizations and governments to support independent investigations and documentation of alleged abuses and to protect equal citizenship and religious freedom.
Khalili concluded by calling for a free, just and united Afghanistan in which no community is discriminated against because of ethnicity, religion or sect.