Social media activists have criticized the police for their actions, highlighting a perceived double standard in the government’s approach
By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
JAMRUD: On Wednesday, Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) workers faced a violent crackdown in Regi Lalma Jamrud as police dismantled their tents and dispersed them using intense tear gas shelling. The PTM, led by Manzoor Pashtoon, was in the process of setting up a camp for a grand Pashtun gathering scheduled for October 11, aimed at addressing longstanding issues faced by the Pashtun community.
Over a span of 24 hours, the police conducted two raids on the tent camp, employing tear gas and aerial firing to disperse the workers. The PTM has been actively inviting Pashtun from across the country to participate in the Pashtun Jirga to discuss solutions to their problems. During the latest raid, which took place Wednesday afternoon, heavy police contingent advanced to dismantle the tents, resulting in confrontations between the police and PTM workers. In a dramatic turn of events captured in live video coverage, police set fire to the tents while PTM members retaliated by throwing stones.
Following their aggressive actions, the police eventually left the site, allowing PTM workers to return and begin re-establishing their camp in the evening. Malik Naseer, chief of the Koki Khel tribe, visited the location designated for the Pashtun Jirga, expressing support for the workers. Social media activists have criticized the police for their actions, highlighting a perceived double standard in the government’s approach.
They pointed out that road blockades at Begyari Jamrud have persisted for over a month without police intervention, raising questions about the government’s intolerance toward a peaceful gathering. Activists argued that the PTM has the right to hold a peaceful assembly and asserted that their actions did not constitute a violation of law. As of now, the Provincial Government and police have not provided any explanation for the crackdown on the PTM’s activities or the burning of their tents.
