Islamabad: In a significant move, the Federal Government has officially banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), citing the organization’s alleged threats to the nation’s peace and security. This decision marks a pivotal turn in the government’s approach to dealing with dissent and ethnic advocacy within its borders.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the PTM has been declared a proscribed organization under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. The government’s action reflects growing concerns over the movement’s activities, which authorities claim could destabilize the country.
The ban comes after a period of heightened tension between PTM supporters and the state, characterized by frequent clashes and accusations from both sides. The PTM has been vocal in its criticism of the military’s policies in the Pashtun-majority regions of Pakistan, demanding rights and protections for Pashtun people.
This development is expected to have significant implications for civil rights and ethnic movements in Pakistan, as it underscores the government’s stance on security and its limits on public dissent.