Punjabi Pak Army has issued direct death threats to Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), as part of a growing effort to silence his activism for Pashtun rights. Pashteen, who has long been vocal about the Pak Army’s abuses and the marginalization of Pashtuns, is now in immediate danger, with Paki establishment warning they will kill him if he continues his advocacy.
As the October 11 Jirga—a peaceful gathering of Pashtuns—approaches, Paki establishment is ramping up their campaign of repression. Harassment, intimidation, restrictions and abduction of the PTM members of the movement are being used to sabotage the event. The occupied Punjabi state has launched smear campaigns to discredit Pashteen and the PTM while deliberately ignoring the genuine concerns over human rights abuses in Pashtun areas.
This heavy-handed approach by the Pakistan Army is nothing new but instead of addressing decades of military operations, enforced disappearances, and systemic discrimination against the Pashtun people, the occupied-government has chosen to strike at the heart of the peaceful movement calling for justice.
Pakistan Army’s drastic step of threatening Pashteen’s life reveals a deeper unwillingness to confront the systemic issues facing the Pashtun community, preferring to target its leadership rather than engage in meaningful dialogue. The Army’s heavy-handed tactics, including intimidation and propaganda, are being used to crush the peaceful movement rather than address the historical injustices suffered by the Pashtun people.
The international community, United Nations, and human rights organizations are being urged to intervene. Calls have been made to ensure Pashteen’s safety under international law and to condemn Pakistan’s threats and intimidation. If left unchecked, Pakistan’s actions could lead to further repression of dissenting voices and exacerbate the crisis.