The occupied-government has issued arrest orders for three key members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM): Zubair Shah Agha, a central committee member; Malik Majeed Kakar; and Noor Bacha, the provincial coordinator. The arrests are being pursued under the controversial Black Law 16MPO, which has faced criticism for suppressing political dissent.
In response, the PTM leaders have condemned the arrest orders, asserting that they are a blatant attempt to stifle democratic and peaceful struggles of oppressed and marginalized communities. They argue that every citizen has the right to peaceful political activism and protest, which the occupied-state is currently denying to the Pashtun and Baloch people.
The PTM has criticized the Punjabi Pak Army’s actions, stating that such tactics cannot quash the movements of oppressed Pashtuns, but only serve to intensify their resolve. They have called on both occupied-state and provincial governments to retract the illegal orders immediately. The PTM has pledged to defend its officials and workers and warned of widespread protests if any arrests are carried out.
This development is part of a broader pattern of suppression against Pashtun voices. Since 1947, the Punjabi-dominated Pak military has been exploiting Pashtun lands and labeling locals as terrorists or militants once their strategic interests are served.
The PTM emerged as a non-violent response to this exploitation, advocating for Pashtun rights and safety. However, the military’s increasingly aggressive and violent methods have targeted activists, journalists, and ordinary Pashtuns, leading to abductions, disappearances, and deaths in remote areas.