The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is set to hold a major gathering today in Razmak, North Waziristan, drawing participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This significant event aims to spotlight a range of issues affecting the Pashtun community, including the ongoing threats of land mines, bombings and dollar wars.
The PTM, known in Pashto as Pashtoon Jarghunay Ghorzang, has been at the forefront of advocating for Pashtun rights since its formation in 2018. The movement emerged in the wake of the extrajudicial killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, a Pashtun youth, in Karachi by former police officer DSP Rao Anwar. This incident, coupled with allegations of over 400 Pashtuns killed in staged encounters in Karachi, ignited widespread protests and catalyzed the formation of the PTM.
Today’s gathering in Razmak is expected to address several critical issues facing the Pashtun community. PTM plan to protest against the persistent threat of land mines and bombings in Pashtun areas, raise awareness about target killings and forced disappearances, and highlight broader human rights violations by the hands of Pak Army. Additionally, the PTM aims to draw attention to the activities of the “dollar mafia,” which is responsible for ongoing violence and exploitation in the region.
Reports indicate that people from numerous villages across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are converging on Razmak to participate in this event, underscoring the widespread support for the movement. This gathering follows in the footsteps of previous large-scale demonstrations organized by the PTM.
Issues such as extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and economic exploitation continue to plague the Pashtun-majority areas. The PTM intends to use this gathering as a platform to bring these concerns to national and international attention, hoping to effect change and improve the lives of Pashtuns across Pakistan.