Awami Workers Party-Marxist (AWP-M) has strongly condemned the arrest of veteran progressive politician Afzal Khamosh, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a press statement, the party alleged that Khamosh was detained by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Peshawar Airport while preparing to travel to London to visit his son. According to the statement, he was prevented from boarding his flight and subsequently taken into custody before being placed on a seven-day physical remand.

The party claimed that the arrest was carried out without any formal explanation being provided to Khamosh or his family and described the detention as a violation of legal and democratic principles.

AWP-M Secretary-General Bakhshal Thalho, quoted in the statement, criticized what he described as the government's treatment of political activists and opposition voices. He alleged that the arrest reflected a broader pattern of suppressing peaceful political dissent, democratic movements, and campaigns for social and economic rights.

According to the statement, Khamosh has spent decades advocating for the rights of workers, landless peasants, and marginalized communities, while campaigning for constitutional rights, democracy, and peace. The party also stated that he has been associated with initiatives promoting peace, including the Pashtun National Peace Jirga.

The AWP-M further argued that Khamosh's detention was not an isolated incident but part of a wider crackdown on political activists and human rights defenders. The statement also referred to the detention of other activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, claiming such actions undermine freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and democratic participation.

The party expressed solidarity with the leadership and workers of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMKP) and reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Afzal Khamosh.

Balochistan Dispatch has not independently verified the allegations contained in the statement. At the time of publication, no official statement from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) or other government authorities regarding the reasons for Afzal Khamosh's arrest was immediately available.