Mahrang Baloch Condemns Violence Against Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement in Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan – Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, has spoken out against the actions of Pakistan’s armed forces towards the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM). She expressed her disapproval on social media, highlighting the use of force and violence to suppress the PTM’s efforts, including an assassination attempt on their leader, Manzoor Pashteen.
The PTM, established in 2018, is a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan. They have faced numerous challenges, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The movement has called for a national Jirga on October 11, 2024, in the Khyber district to address ongoing violence and terrorism.
Baloch urged human rights organizations to take notice of the state violence against political and human rights activists. Despite promises of security from the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police conducted a midnight raid on the Jirga organizers, destroying camps and detaining activists. PTM activists have since returned to the site, determined to proceed with the Jirga, although they await official approval.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a person who speaks up for the rights of the Baloch people, a group living in Pakistan. She works to make sure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement -: The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, or PTM, is a group that fights for the rights of the Pashtun people in Pakistan. They want to stop violence and unfair treatment against Pashtuns.
Baloch -: Baloch refers to people from the Balochistan region, which is in Pakistan. They have their own culture and language, and sometimes they face challenges in getting their rights.
Manzoor Pashteen -: Manzoor Pashteen is a leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement. He works to protect the rights of Pashtun people and has faced threats because of his activism.
Jirga -: A Jirga is a traditional assembly of leaders in some communities, especially in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They come together to discuss and solve important issues.