The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement Banned by the federal government, citing national security concerns. Declared unlawful under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement Banned notification was issued by the interior ministry, highlighting its significant threat to public order.
The movement, which emerged after the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, was listed under the First Schedule of ATA as a proscribed organization. The government claims that the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement Banned due to its alleged involvement in inciting unrest, accusations that PTM leaders, including Manzoor Pashteen, strongly deny.
This action comes ahead of the PTM-organized Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga scheduled for October 11. In recent weeks, PTM camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced multiple raids, leading to increased tensions. Last week, a PTM camp was set ablaze during a police operation in Khyber District. Provincial and federal governments have since exchanged blame for the crackdown, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi questioning the need for police action against the PTM.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the move, calling it “an extreme decision” and stating that the PTM has always pursued its goals within the framework of the Constitution. Former PTM members, such as ex-MNA Mohsin Dawar, and political figures, including Afrasiab Khattak, criticized the ban, arguing that it suppresses peaceful struggle for human rights and only alienates the war-affected Pashtun people.
History of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement
The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) was founded in 2014, but its roots trace back to the long-standing grievances of the Pashtun population, especially those affected by military operations in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These regions saw years of violence due to military offensives against extremist groups, leading to mass displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
The movement gained momentum after the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, a young Pashtun man from South Waziristan, in a police encounter in Karachi in 2018. Naqeebullah’s killing, along with widespread reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and landmines in tribal areas, ignited anger among Pashtun communities. A sit-in protest in Islamabad that year, led by the PTM, drew nationwide attention and led to a broader mobilization of Pashtun youth.
The PTM’s demands include an end to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the removal of military checkpoints in Pashtun areas. The movement emphasizes non-violence, working within the framework of Pakistan’s Constitution to advocate for the rights of Pashtuns.
Flag of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement
The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement flag represents the movement’s commitment to peaceful resistance and the protection of Pashtun rights. It features a solid red color, symbolizing the blood of Pashtuns who have lost their lives in conflicts and injustices. The color red also signifies bravery, resilience, and the struggle for justice.
Although the PTM flag does not contain any symbols or text, the simplicity of the red color speaks volumes about the movement’s emphasis on sacrifice and defiance against oppression. The flag is often seen at PTM rallies, serving as a unifying symbol for Pashtun identity and the pursuit of their rights.
Founder of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement
The founder of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement is Manzoor Pashteen, a human rights activist from South Waziristan. Born in 1992, Pashteen grew up witnessing the devastation caused by military operations in the tribal regions. He earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, but his passion for activism led him to organize efforts against injustices faced by the Pashtun community.
Pashteen’s leadership and his ability to connect with the frustrations of the Pashtun people have made him a prominent figure in the movement. He became well-known after spearheading protests against extrajudicial killings, particularly after the death of Naqeebullah Mehsud. His simple red cap, which has become symbolic of the PTM, is a recognizable feature at PTM gatherings and symbolizes resistance and unity among Pashtuns.
Under Manzoor Pashteen’s leadership, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement has continued to grow, advocating for peace, human rights, and justice, while maintaining a commitment to non-violent means of protest. Despite facing strong opposition from the state and being labeled a threat to national security, Pashteen and the PTM remain influential voices for the Pashtun people.
The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement has risen to prominence as a peaceful advocacy group fighting for the rights and dignity of the Pashtun people. From its roots in tribal areas affected by conflict to its leader, Manzoor Pashteen, the PTM continues to challenge the injustices faced by Pashtuns in Pakistan. Its iconic red flag and the spirit of peaceful resistance have made the movement a symbol of Pashtun unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
