Peshawar – Legal experts and nationalists have raised serious concerns over the recent publication of a book titled Pashtun Resistance and the State by Awami National Party (ANP) leader Aimal Khattak, alleging that the cover design violates Pakistani law by misrepresenting the country’s official map and potentially undermining national territorial integrity. The book, published by Duston Books near Agriculture University, Peshawar, has sparked calls for immediate legal action under the Surveying and Mapping (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Allegations of Map Distortion

The book cover reportedly presents Pakistan’s outline filled with United States dollar symbols, a Pashtun turban atop the map, and blood splattered across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), raising concerns over its messaging. Of particular controversy is the absence of Kashmir from the map, which critics argue aligns with India’s cartographic claim rather than Pakistan’s official position based on United Nations resolutions.

Legal experts note that publishing an unofficial or distorted map of Pakistan constitutes a violation under national law. Section 16 of the Surveying and Mapping (Amendment) Act, 2020 prohibits the printing, display, dissemination, or circulation of incorrect or unofficial versions of Pakistan’s map without prior clearance from the Survey of Pakistan. Section 20(vi) of the same amendment allows for penalties including imprisonment of up to five years, fines of up to PKR 5 million, or both. 

Experts say that even the book cover alone could constitute an offense, raising the question of publisher accountability alongside the author’s responsibility.

Background: Aimal Khattak and Family Legacy

The Khattak family has long held a prominent position in Pakistan’s political landscape. Aimal’s late father, Ajmal Khattak (1925–2010), was a Pashto poet, writer, and politician, influential within the Awami National Party and the broader Pashtun nationalist movement.

Ajmal Khattak’s early activism included participation in the Quit India Movement and the Khudai Khidmatgar campaign against British colonial rule. After Pakistan’s formation, he joined the National Awami Party, advocating for Pashtun self-determination and at times challenging Pakistan’s territorial policies.

Exiled for 16 years in Kabul during the 1970s and 80s, Ajmal Khattak maintained close ties with Afghan leaders, supported Pashtun nationalism, and was accused of involvement in guerrilla activities opposing the state.

Aimal Khattak, following in his father’s footsteps, continues to serve as an ANP leader and is vocal about Pakistan’s governance and security policies. While less controversial than his father regarding anti-state activity, his promotion of regional Pashtun nationalist narratives has historically clashed with Pakistan’s central government’s stance on territorial unity.

The Khattak family has historically been afforded political platforms despite critical positions, reflecting the state’s tolerance for certain dissent. However, critics argue that the current book cover transcends political critique, potentially violating national law and challenging public solidarity.

Public Apology and Halted Sales

In response to the growing controversy, Aimal Khattak announced via his official X (formerly Twitter) account that the book’s sale has been halted due to “technical errors.”

Analysts argue that the issue goes beyond the book cover and raises questions of potential foreign sponsorship. Authorities concerned have been urged to follow the trail from the publisher to the handlers to ensure accountability.

Calls for Accountability

The book cover controversy has reignited broader conversations about national identity, legal compliance, and freedom of expression. While critique of government policies is constitutionally protected, using national symbols in a manner that contradicts official positions, especially in published materials, has drawn scrutiny.

Legal experts, political commentators, and nationalists have urged immediate investigation into both Aimal Khattak and Duston Books, stressing that the publication of a distorted national map not only violates Pakistani law but also undermines the country’s official stance on Kashmir.

As Pakistan continues to emphasize territorial integrity in international forums, any publication contradicting the official map, especially one distributed publicly, attracts both legal and political scrutiny. Observers indicate that authorities may now have grounds for formal proceedings against the author and publisher under the 2020 mapping amendment.

Also See: Pakistan Marks Youm-e-Istehsal, Reiterates Support for Kashmiris