Mahrang Baloch Criticizes Pakistan’s Ban on Pashtun Tahafuz Movement
Islamabad, Pakistan – Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch has voiced her concerns over the Pakistan government’s decision to ban the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). She described this move as a “severe encroachment on democratic principles.” In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch highlighted that this action reflects the state’s attempt to suppress peaceful political movements and dissenting voices through repressive measures.
She stated, “The decision to declare the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) a banned organization represents a severe encroachment on democratic principles and an alarming escalation of state authoritarianism.” Mahrang Baloch emphasized that PTM, a peaceful political organization advocating for the fundamental human rights of the Pashtun community, has faced relentless state opposition. Despite this, the movement remains committed to peaceful activism.
Mahrang Baloch called on all political and human rights organizations to “unite in solidarity” with PTM. She urged them to work collectively to challenge this “unjust and repressive decision.” On Saturday, she condemned the “use of force and violence” by Pakistan’s armed forces against PTM, particularly during the Pashtun National Jirga.
She noted that the violence against PTM activists and the assassination attempt on Manzoor Pashteen are efforts to silence the Pashtun people’s voice. The PTM has organized a national Jirga gathering on October 11, 2024, in the Khyber district to address ongoing violence, terrorism, and targeted killings.
Established in 2018, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is a grassroots initiative led by Manzoor Pashteen. It advocates for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan, focusing on issues like extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and landmine threats.
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 Tahafuz Movement -: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is a group that peacefully fights for the rights of the Pashtun people, who live in Pakistan. They want to make sure Pashtuns are treated fairly and safely.
Ban -: A ban means stopping something from happening or being used. In this case, Pakistan has stopped the PTM from doing their activities.
Democratic principles -: Democratic principles are rules that make sure everyone has a say in how things are run, like voting and speaking freely. Mahrang Baloch thinks banning PTM goes against these rules.
Human rights organizations -: These are groups that work to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has basic rights, like safety and freedom. They help people who are being treated unfairly.
Assassination attempt -: An assassination attempt is when someone tries to harm or kill a leader or important person. In this case, someone tried to harm Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of PTM.
National Jirga -: A Jirga is a traditional meeting where people come together to discuss and solve problems. PTM plans to have a big meeting like this to talk about important issues.