PJAK Co-Chair Calls for Kurdish Unity Against Iran’s Repression

Emir Karimi, co-chair of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), has accused Iran’s government of using systematic repression and economic hardship as tools to suppress Kurdish and Baloch populations in Eastern Kurdistan, calling for unified resistance through civil action.

Speaking to journalist Erdal Er, Karimi outlined what he described as a coordinated strategy by Tehran to weaponize economic crisis. “They leave the people in Kurdistan hungry and dependent. There is no investment and no employment opportunities are created,” he said, according to reports from Kurdish Front Reports. “They want to use the economic crisis to push people toward becoming regime collaborators and betraying their people.” ^[1]

Karimi emphasized that despite these pressures, recent mobilization efforts demonstrate sustained resistance. “As the political parties of Eastern Kurdistan, we called for strikes and protests. The people responded very strongly. These actions show us one thing: the Jin, Jiyan, Azadî Revolution is not over,” he stated. ^[1]

The PJAK co-chair’s comments reflect broader tensions within Iran’s Kurdish regions, where opposition groups have reported ongoing arrests and executions. Karimi did not provide specific figures for casualties or detentions, but framed the security situation as part of a sustained campaign against Kurdish political autonomy.

Karimi also signaled openness to broader Kurdish political coordination, transcending ideological divisions within the movement. “We may have political and ideological differences, but these should not stand in the way of our unity,” he said. “We are ready for unconditional Kurdish national unity. At a time when everyone is attacking the Kurds, the Kurds must establish their unity.” ^[1]

The PJAK leader acknowledged the military dimensions of the conflict, noting that opposition forces face direct Iranian military action. “We are inside Iran and we face intense attacks there. Artillery, mortars and drones are being used. Our comrades are martyred and wounded, and our supporters are arrested,” he said. ^[1]

Karimi also addressed regional geopolitics, indicating that PJAK would engage with external actors who recognize Kurdish political status rather than treating them solely as a military force. “We are a political force and we will sit with everyone. The future of the region is being built. Kurds must also take part in this,” he stated, adding that “whichever force approaches the Kurds on this basis, not only as a military force but also as a political force, we will meet with them.” ^[1]

When pressed on reports of Israeli contact, Karimi stated: “We have had no contact with Israel.” ^[1]

Karimi’s remarks come as Iranian Kurdish opposition groups continue advocating for political rights through dialogue. Peyman Viyan, also a PJAK co-chair, reiterated the organization’s commitment to peaceful resolution in a separate statement, emphasizing that the Kurdish struggle centers on “political, cultural, linguistic and economic rights.” ^[2]

The statements underscore the persistent challenge to Iranian central authority from Kurdish populations, who have mobilized repeatedly around demands for autonomy and representation. How Tehran responds to coordinated Kurdish political organizing – particularly efforts to transcend factional divisions – may serve as a barometer of the government’s ability to manage internal dissent amid broader regional instability.