The News
Pakistan’s recent decision to ban the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. The PTM, which advocates for the rights of the Pashtun community, has been a peaceful movement calling for justice regarding issues like enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the marginalization of Pashtuns, particularly in the aftermath of Pakistan’s military operations in its northwestern regions. The ban, imposed under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, has been justified by authorities citing threats to national security.
International observers have also voiced concerns that this move is part of a broader pattern in Pakistan of repressing dissenting voices and ethnic minority rights.
What is the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement ?
The Pashtun Rights Movement, more formally known as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), is a civil rights group that advocates for the protection and promotion of the rights of the Pashtun ethnic group in Pakistan. Formed in 2018, PTM emerged as a peaceful movement, raising awareness about issues such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, landmine clearance, and the marginalization of Pashtuns in the wake of Pakistan’s military operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pashtuns, one of Pakistan’s largest ethnic groups, reside mostly in its northwestern regions and across the border in Afghanistan. PTM rose to prominence following the extrajudicial killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, a young Pashtun man, in a police encounter in Karachi in 2018. This incident became a flashpoint for larger grievances in the Pashtun community regarding the heavy-handed policies of the Pakistani state in their regions, particularly in areas affected by military campaigns against Islamist militants.
Led by Manzoor Pashteen, PTM has consistently called for accountability from the military and state institutions, demanding justice for victims of state violence and opposing the militarization of Pashtun regions. The movement uses nonviolent methods such as rallies, social media, and public advocacy to make its demands heard.
However, PTM’s criticism of the Pakistani military has led to tension with the state. Authorities have accused the movement of being anti-state, and several of its leaders have faced arrests and harassment. Despite this, PTM insists that it seeks justice and equal rights through peaceful means and is not aligned with any militant or separatist groups.
JSFM leaders, including Chairman Sohail Abro, Zubair Sindhi, and Amar Azadi, issued a joint statement condemning the ban, characterizing it as a grave violation of fundamental human rights. They asserted that PTM is committed to peaceful advocacy, particularly in demanding accountability for enforced disappearances and restoring civic rights.
Future of the movement?
Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) faces significant challenges due to increased repression by the Pakistani state, including the recent ban on the movement.
While the widespread crackdown on PTM and its leaders reflect that the Pakistani Government considers the movement as a significant threat, its crackdown has received significant international attention to create pressure on the government to retract its measures.
Interestingly, PTM enjoys strong support from younger Pashtuns who are active on social media, using these platforms to highlight injustices. If the movement can continue to engage youth and maintain its narrative of peaceful resistance, it could remain resilient despite government suppression.
