Program

PAK describes Kurdish self-determination as a central political principle. Its programme presents Kurdistan as a homeland whose political division occurred without the consent of the Kurdish people and argues that the Kurdish people have the right to determine their own political, legal and constitutional future.

The programme identifies political sovereignty and the establishment of a Kurdish national state as strategic objectives. It also places national unity and the overcoming of the political division of Kurdistan at the centre of its national project.

The programme further states that the new generation of Kurds should determine its own future, including the political system it chooses and the nature of its relations with neighbouring peoples.

PAK's programme calls for a democratic political system in the Republic of Kurdistan based on parliamentary government, political pluralism and a multi-party system.

It calls for a written constitution, separation of powers and an independent judicial system. These institutions are presented as mechanisms for democratising the state and ensuring political authority is subject to law.

The programme also places importance on cooperation, tolerance and civil society, including support for non-governmental organisations and civic organisations as part of a democratic society.

The programme places human rights at the centre of political life and refers to the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It identifies citizenship, free and secret elections, freedom of religion and belief, freedom of thought and expression, freedom of association, political and professional organisation, movement, residence and freedom of the press among the rights to be protected.

The programme also rejects discrimination and calls for equality between women and men and the protection of individual freedoms.

PAK's programme describes equality and social justice as fundamental principles. It rejects discrimination and emphasises equality between women and men.

It presents the individual and family as important foundations of society and connects social development with the wellbeing, rights and opportunities of individuals and families.

The programme also addresses the rights and freedoms of non-Kurdish communities and religious and sectarian minorities living in Kurdistan, calling for equal citizenship and stronger relations between communities.

The programme advocates an economy based on social justice and the particular characteristics of Kurdistan. It rejects monopolistic economic structures and calls for the productive use of natural resources and the development of industrial and agricultural infrastructure.

It identifies minerals, underground resources and oil revenues as resources that should contribute to national development and the economic interests of Kurdistan.

Social protection is also addressed. The programme calls for support for people affected by unemployment, lack of income or disability and refers to health, old-age and disability insurance and assistance for people living in poverty.

The programme identifies education as a universal right and places the education and physical and intellectual wellbeing of the population among the responsibilities of the Republic of Kurdistan.

It states that Kurdish would be the official language of the state and describes language development and protection as important elements of national identity.

The programme also highlights national culture and the development of theatre, cinema, music, dance, calligraphy, sculpture and visual arts as important areas of cultural life.

The programme states that PAK respects the heavenly religions and supports freedom and security for their followers in practising their religious traditions.

It calls for non-interference between state institutions and religious institutions in each other's private affairs and presents religious diversity as something that should coexist within Kurdish society.

The programme also presents Kurdish nationalism as a possible unifying element across religious and sectarian communities.

The programme treats Kurdistan's land, forests, water and underground resources as national resources and calls for their protection and responsible development.

It also addresses environmental education, preservation of historical sites and the development of a greener homeland.

Public health is addressed through sanitation, prevention of dangerous diseases, food controls, scientific development and measures intended to protect the health and wellbeing of the population.

PAK's programme describes the Kurdish national question as an international issue and assigns significant importance to international developments in determining Kurdistan's future.

It calls for Kurdish representation capable of expressing a unified Kurdish position internationally and discusses participation in international organisations.

The programme also calls for cooperation among the different parts of Kurdistan and relations with neighbouring peoples based on mutual respect, non-interference and shared interests.