PUK: The Driving Force Behind the Kurdish Uprising

Kurdistan 11:27 AM - 2026-03-04

Kurdish people's uprising.

Tomorrow, Thursday, 5 March, marks the anniversary of the 1991 Kurdish uprising against the dictatorship of the now-defunct Ba’ath Party.

The Kurdish people are remembering this heroic struggle, which began in March 1991 and is widely regarded as a seminal chapter in their history. Written by the sons and daughters of Kurdistan, the uprising was forged through the sacrifices of martyrs and the courage of the Peshmerga, all in pursuit of the ultimate goal: defeating the forces of the dictatorial regime and liberating Kurdistan from oppressive rule.

The PUK is the Architect of the Uprising

Wasta Rasul, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: “The 1991 uprising was a pivotal moment in the Kurdish revolutionary movement and the first revolution to succeed in liberating Kurdistan. The PUK devised the programme of the uprising, disseminated it across all cities in the Kurdistan Region, and secured victory, culminating in the liberation of Kirkuk.”

Mam Jalal and the Birth of Democratic Governance

Wasta Rasul added: “The PUK guided the revolution through this historic turning point, achieving national liberation — a source of immense pride for the party. The late President Mam Jalal then established the democratic experience in Kurdistan. His vision for governance led to the creation of the Kurdistan Regional Government and Parliament, allowing the Region to consolidate the gains of the Kurdish people, which are enshrined in the Constitution.”

Building and Protecting the Democratic Experience

Luqman Wardi, also of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: “Following the mountain struggle and the uprising, the PUK established the democratic framework in the Kurdistan Region. The party prepared, led, and executed the uprising, and continues to uphold its spirit by building constitutional and legal institutions.”

Guaranteeing Freedoms

Luqman Wardi added: “After the uprising, the PUK worked through civil struggle to serve the people of Kurdistan — ensuring freedoms, confronting discrimination and injustice, and providing the rights to expression, justice, and livelihood. The PUK remains committed to improving citizens’ living conditions, continuing the democratic struggle, and delivering a decent life for all.”


PUKMEDIA