Pakistani authorities have recently banned the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) organization, known for advocating for the rights of the Pashtun ethnic group, citing allegations of supporting the Pakistani Taliban. The ban also includes an order preventing the group from holding a rally in the northwest region. The PTM denies these accusations and insists on continuing their activities.
Founded in 2014, the PTM has been critical of the military and local police for alleged human rights abuses in the northwest tribal regions. The group has been campaigning for the withdrawal of the military from these areas. The military and government, however, deny these allegations and maintain that their operations are only directed at insurgents.
Despite the ban, the PTM’s leader, Manzoor Pashteen, remains determined to proceed with a planned meeting in Regi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The PTM has also raised concerns about the illegal detention of its members by security forces.
The Pakistani Taliban, a separate group from the Afghan Taliban, is believed to be closely linked to the PTM. The Pakistani government’s decision to ban the PTM comes amid escalating violence in the region, with the Pakistani Taliban carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces.
The ban on the PTM has sparked controversy and raised questions about freedom of expression and the rights of ethnic minorities in Pakistan. The PTM’s supporters have expressed concerns about increasing government restrictions on their activities.
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