Federal govt bans Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), accusing it of involvement in anti-national activities and deeming it a threat to peace and order. The Ministry of Interior issued a notification banning PTM under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.

The ministry’s statement further said that PTM poses a threat to law and order, as well as national security.

It is noteworthy that just a few days ago, PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, inviting him to attend the Pashtun Qaumi Jirga, scheduled for October 11.

PTM was originally established in May 2014 under the name Mehsud Tahafuz Movement. In January 2018, it was renamed the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, led by Manzoor Pashteen.

Several PTM leaders, including Member of Parliament Ali Wazir, are currently imprisoned on serious charges. Additionally, one of its central leaders, Mohsin Dawar, parted ways with the movement and formed a new party in 2021.