The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has strongly condemned the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ubaid Khan Salarzai, a political worker and human rights activist, following the closure of the Bajaur Press Club in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The FIR is frivolous, as it alleges that Salarzai, along with PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen, entered the press club and attempted to incite the public against security forces.
Salarzai, who is affiliated with the Awami National Party (ANP), faces charges that are baseless and politically motivated. The incident has reignited tensions among Pashtun rights activists.
This action is part of a broader pattern of suppression against Pashtun voices. Since 1947, the Punjabi Pak Army has exploited Pashtun lands and people, later labeling them as terrorists or TTP sympathizers after their deed is done.
When Pashtuns became aware of this exploitation, they began to resist peacefully, with PTM emerging as a result of such non-violent efforts. However, the military is employing dubious and violent methods to silence dissent.
Activists, journalists, and even innocent Pashtuns are being abducted regularly, while some are eventually released, others disappear without a trace, and in most cases, bodies are found dumped in remote areas.