Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) held a massive protest rally for the release of its chief Manzoor Pashteen in Qila Saifullah, Pakistan-occupied Balochistan.
On Sunday, December 17th, PTM called for a protest sit-in against the deadly assault and subsequent arrest of Manzoor Pashteen. A huge number of Pashtuns took part in the rally making it unprecedented. The protest saw addresses from various PTM leaders who voiced for the immediate release of Pashteen. They also criticised the Pakistan Army for instigating insecurity in the region and persecuting the Pashtuns and Afghans.
Besides, to make the demonstration unsuccessful, Pakistani establishment took extra-judicial measures including raids and arrests. However, Pashtuns participated with full enthusiasm. Noor Bachaa, the Provincial President of PTM (Balochistan) took it to X (formarly known as Twitter) saying, “Long live the resistance. Despite all kinds of hardships, arrests, raids, we delivered our message to our Pashtuns. We will keep this field of resistance warm with the power of consciousness. Salute to all the people of Qala Saifullah. Salute to the organizing friends.”
Considerably, Manzoor Pashteen was arrested after a deadly attack on is convoy while he was enroute to participate in Turbat protest. Later, he was presented to the court three days after his arrest, a strict violation of legal rights of an individual. More recently, he was shifted to Adiala jail after undergoing seven day physical remand. Now PTM and its activists are agitated for the release of Manzoor Pashteen.