Response to the PTM in Pakistan: Recent Developments and Implications
The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) has recently faced significant actions from the Pakistani government. In recent months, over 200 PTM activists, including prominent leaders, have been detained ahead of a planned jirga (council of elders) scheduled for October 11-13 in Khyber. On October 6, the government officially banned PTM, equating it with various terrorist organisations and suggesting it posed a substantial threat to Pakistan's national security.
The federal government’s response appears to stem from a heightened sensitivity to PTM’s call for a Pashtun National Jirga, or Awami Adalat (People’s Court), a traditional assembly used in Pashtun culture to resolve disputes and address communal matters. This longstanding custom embodies the principles of fairness and collective decision-making within the Pashtun community.
For observers both within and outside Pakistan, PTM's approach since its inception in 2014 has been characterised as a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of innocent Pashtuns, who have often been disproportionately affected by military actions in response to the Pakistani Taliban. PTM has championed the cause of the displaced and marginalised, opposing enforced disappearances and advocating for human rights in the face of state repression aimed at suppressing this emerging organisation.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the ban, arguing that PTM has consistently operated within the constitutional framework and refrained from violence. They have urged the government to withdraw the ban, with former PTM member Mohsin Dawar highlighting that such actions send a discouraging message to families of missing persons and those advocating for human rights.
The Pakistani authorities justify their actions by claiming that PTM's activities have threatened national peace and security. However, this perspective may overlook the actual dynamics on the ground, as the state appears to be reacting to PTM with a degree of alarm similar to its response to protests organised by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Recent events in the Pashtun-majority Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been tumultuous, particularly following the February 2024 general elections, which were alleged to be manipulated by the military against Imran Khan. Despite these challenges, Khan’s party secured a substantial mandate at the provincial level, using its influence to mobilise protests against the federal government. This situation has placed the government on high alert to prevent potential unrest akin to that experienced in Bangladesh, particularly in light of unprecedented incidents on May 9, 2023, where military facilities were targeted by protestors.
In stark contrast to the government's approach to PTI demonstrations, the security forces' response to PTM's call for a peaceful jirga has been notably severe. While PTI's political activities have garnered typical media coverage, the international community has increasingly viewed the government's actions against PTM as human rights violations.
The Pakistan Army, a significant actor in this scenario, appears largely indifferent to both domestic and international criticism regarding its treatment of PTM, often perceiving it as a tool for an external conspiracy against Pakistan. The current government, backed by a coalition with military support, is unlikely to adopt a stance that diverges from this view.
The establishment’s frustration with PTM stems from its vocal critiques of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. This crackdown is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent, which has also affected supporters of Imran Khan.
Khan's strong support base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is evident, with recent demonstrations highlighting his appeal among the Pashtun community. The provincial leadership has utilised government resources to organise these protests, which are likely to persist as PTI seeks to consolidate its influence. The government's actions against PTM have been fuelled by an overarching tendency to exaggerate perceived threats, leading to excessive measures in response.
However, the trajectory of PTM suggests that the state’s forceful approach is unlikely to succeed in quelling a popular movement that commands empathy both domestically and internationally. Few outside the military establishment support claims linking PTM to the Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The current executive-military alliance in Pakistan appears to be losing the necessary balance to effectively contend with the challenges it faces. As Imran Khan continues to mobilise his supporters, the government's reaction, driven by military backing, risks escalating tensions and may lead to a crisis in the near future.
The unintended consequences of the government's actions could reignite ethnic sentiments among the Pashtun community, which may pose further challenges for Pakistan's political stability and cohesion in the days ahead.
Zarifa Ghafari is an Afghan activist, politician, and entrepreneur. In November 2019, she became the mayor of Maidan Shahr, the capital city of the Wardak Province, Afghanistan. She is one of the only female mayors in Afghan history and the youngest – appointed at age 26. She is known for her efforts to advance women’s rights in Afghanistan.
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