In a distressing turn of events, Hussain Afridi, a Pashtun activist and central member of the Khyber District Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and his brother Siddique Afridi, were abducted by unknown gunmen at 2 p.m. on March 5.
The abduction took a sinister turn when a ransom demand of 2 crore rupees was conveyed through WhatsApp. PTM, in a swift response, has accused the Pakistani establishment of orchestrating the abduction, adding fuel to the existing tensions between the movement and the establishment.
The Khyber unit of PTM has issued a stern warning, stating that if Hussain and Siddique are not released promptly, they will initiate a protest strike. The unit plans to block all roads in Khyber as part of the demonstration, with the full endorsement of the affected family.
Enforced disappearances have long been a contentious issue in Pakistan as Pakistan Army employs this tactic to stifle dissenting voices and curb activism. PTM, a movement advocating for the rights of the Pashtun community, has consistently been at odds with the Pakistani establishment over issues ranging from inhumane leadership to terror patronization and severe persecution in the region.
The abduction of Pashtun activist Hussain and his brother Siddique Afridi adds another layer to the struggle between PTM and the establishment. Calls for the immediate release of the abducted brothers have escalated, and concerns over the safety of activists in the region are growing. The situation remains tense as the PTM Khyber unit contemplates further actions to press for the release of its members.