Despite the ban, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen has received an invitation from KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur to participate in the upcoming Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, scheduled for October 11
By our correspondent
BALOCHISTAN: In a significant development, the federal government has imposed a ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), citing threats to national peace and security. The Interior Ministry issued a notification declaring the PTM “unlawful” under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, stating that the movement poses a “significant danger” to public order and safety in the country.
The PTM, which advocates for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan, has been a focal point for addressing issues such as enforced disappearances and military operations in tribal areas. The ban, however, has raised concerns among activists and supporters who argue that it undermines freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Despite the ban, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen has received an invitation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to participate in the upcoming Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, scheduled for October 11.
During a recent meeting between the two leaders, Pashteen emphasized the need for unity among Pashtuns, to which Gandapur expressed support for the Pashtun cause and assured collaboration with the jirga. “The provincial government will have representatives present at the gathering,” Gandapur stated, highlighting the significance of the event in fostering dialogue within the Pashtun community. Preparations for the Pashtun Qaumi Jirga are underway in the Khyber tribal district, with Pashteen confirming that arrangements at the venue have been finalized.
The event aims to bring together various communities and organizations, with separate tents designated for each group to facilitate discussions and promote unity. The juxtaposition of the federal government’s crackdown on the PTM and the provincial government’s engagement with its leadership underscores the complexities surrounding the rights of ethnic groups in Pakistan. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of the upcoming jirga may have far-reaching implications for Pashtun identity and activism in the region.
