PUK: A Steadfast Pillar of Strength & Resolve in the Disputed Territories

P.U.K 05:44 PM - 2025-06-02

PUK logo.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has historically engaged in both armed struggle and diplomatic efforts to secure the rights of Kurds in Iraq’s disputed territories. While the party protected these areas via armed struggle in the past, today the PUK advocates dialogue, negotiation, and unity as the means to preserve the achievements of the Kurdish people and improve the lives of all communities in the disputed territories.

The disputed territories—often referred to as “in-between areas”—include Kirkuk, Sinjar, Tal Afar, and Khanaqin. These regions are marked by their ethnically and religiously diverse populations of Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen, as well as significant oil and gas reserves. Under the former Ba’ath regime, extensive Arabisation policies were imposed, involving the forced displacement of the original population of mostly Kurds and resettlement of Arabs in their place.

Promoting Coexistence and Unity

Avesta Mohammed, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: “The political changes in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region post-2003 were a continuation of the 1991 uprising. Since its inception, the PUK has implemented a focused strategy for the disputed territories and Kurdish lands occupied by enemies.”

He added: “In Kirkuk and the wider disputed territories, the PUK is working to foster unity among all ethnic and religious communities. We are committed to creating harmony, because true peace in the disputed territories can only be achieved through mutual respect and unity.”

Mohammed also stressed the PUK’s impartial commitment to serving all communities: “We have pledged our lives to serve the disputed territories without discrimination. Our policy in the new Kirkuk administration—under a Kurdish governor from the PUK—is to deliver services equally, without dividing regions along ethnic lines. We carry forward the message of peace and unity that President Mam Jalal embodied.”

Civil, Diplomatic and Parliamentary Engagement

In a statement to PUKMEDIA, Mala Karim Shukur, an MP from the PUK bloc in the Iraqi Parliament, highlighted the strategic importance of these territories: “The disputed territories are a vital part of Kurdistan. The PUK has prioritised them both before and after the fall of the former regime. These areas were officially recognised as the disputed territories in the 2005 Iraqi Constitution under Article 140.”

He continued: “The PUK has served these territories through diplomatic means, civil activism, parliamentary advocacy, and ministerial roles. One notable achievement was the enactment of the Property Restitution Law. We have also championed peaceful coexistence between Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmens—an essential tenet of the PUK.”

He added: “With a Kurd from the PUK now serving as Governor of Kirkuk, we have demonstrated how Kurdish constitutional rights can be protected. This is a source of pride. Our sacrifices for Kirkuk, including many martyrs, underscore our enduring commitment.”

A Legacy of Resistance and Hope

“The PUK has been at the forefront of the Kurdish freedom movement for fifty years,” said Halmat Hoshyar, a PUK MP in the Kurdistan Parliament. “Its legacy is built on sacrifice and service to the disputed territories. The PUK remains a beacon of hope for the Kurdish people.”

Working Towards Kurdish Unity

Beyond its own efforts, the PUK has long sought to unify Kurdish political forces in the disputed territories. It has never abandoned the people of these areas during difficult times and continues to act as a refuge and representative for their aspirations.

The PUK remains determined to collaborate with other Kurdish parties to assert the Kurdistani identity of the disputed territories and ensure their representation and rights are fully realised.



PUKMEDIA