Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bans Public Employees from Pashtun Tahafuz Movement Events
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan has issued a ban on public employees from participating in events organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a group that has been banned. This decision was communicated through an official notification sent to all provincial departments, warning civil servants against any involvement with banned organizations, including physical, financial, or covert participation. Violators will face legal consequences.
Additionally, the federal government has placed PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and 44 others on the Fourth Schedule under Section 11EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, further restricting the group’s activities. The Balochistan government has also banned Pashteen from entering the region for 90 days, citing public peace and security concerns.
These actions have heightened tensions between the PTM and the government, highlighting issues related to Pashtun rights and state authority. The PTM advocates for the rights of the Pashtun community, addressing concerns such as enforced disappearances and military actions in tribal areas. Despite assurances of security, police have raided PTM gatherings, leading to arrests and detentions of peaceful activists.
The PTM has announced a national Jirga gathering on October 11, 2024, in the Khyber district to discuss ongoing issues of violence, terrorism, and targeted killings. The movement, founded in 2018 under Manzoor Pashteen’s leadership, seeks to address human rights abuses faced by Pashtuns, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Doubts Revealed
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, near the border with Afghanistan.
Pashtun Tahafuz Movement -: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is a social movement in Pakistan. It advocates for the rights of the Pashtun people, who are an ethnic group in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Fourth Schedule -: The Fourth Schedule is a part of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. It lists individuals who are suspected of being involved in terrorism or activities against the state, and they are monitored by the government.
Anti-Terrorism Act -: The Anti-Terrorism Act is a law in Pakistan designed to prevent and punish acts of terrorism. It gives the government special powers to deal with individuals and groups involved in terrorism.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is another province in Pakistan. It is the largest province by area and is located in the southwestern part of the country.
