Saturday, November 9th, 2024

Baloch activist condemns Pak ban on Pashtun Tahafuz movement


Baloch rights activist Mehrang Baloch expressed concern over the Pakistan government’s decision to ban the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), terming it a “serious encroachment on democratic principles”.

In a post on X, Mehrang Baloch asserted that this action is indicative of the Pakistani state suppressing peaceful political movements and dissenting voices through repressive measures.

“The decision to declare the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) a banned organization represents a serious encroachment on democratic principles and a worrying increase in state authoritarianism,” he/she said.

“This action is indicative of the ongoing trend by the state of Pakistan to suppress peaceful political movements and dissenting voices through repressive measures. The PTM, a peaceful political organization advocating the fundamental human rights of the Pashtun community, has faced continued state opposition. Despite state oppression, the movement has remained steadfast in its commitment to peaceful activism,” said Mehrang Baloch.

Mehrang Baloch urged all political and human rights organizations to “unite in solidarity” with the PTM.

“The decision to outlaw PTM is a worrying step that undermines the values ​​of political pluralism and human rights. In response, all political and human rights organizations must unite in solidarity with PTM and work collectively to challenge this unjust and oppressive decision,” she said.

In his/her post on Twitter on Saturday, he/she condemned the “use of force and violence” by Pakistan’s armed forces against the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

“I strongly condemn the use of force and violence by security forces against the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in an attempt to stop the Pashtun National Jirga,” Baloch said on Twitter.

he/she further said that the violence against PTM political workers and the assassination attempt on Manzoor Pashtun is an attempt to silence the voice of the Pashtun people. The use of force against Pashtun political activists should be stopped immediately.

The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) has called for a national jirga gathering on October 11, 2024 to discuss the ongoing violence, terrorism and targeted killings in Khyber district and seek solutions to these serious issues. The Pakistani state has resorted to cruelty in its pursuit of peace out of fear of Pashtun unity.

Founded in 2018, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement is a grassroots initiative advocating for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan. Under the leadership of Manzoor Pashteen, the PTM emerged in response to human rights violations faced by Pashtuns, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the threat posed by landmines in their areas.



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