A Fight for Justice: Pashtuns Stand Firm Against State Repression in Pakistan

By Kadeem Baloch 

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has long been a voice for the marginalized Pashtun population in Pakistan. Their struggle is defined by their peaceful resistance against the oppression, injustices, and heavy-handed actions of the Pakistani establishment and military. Recent events highlight the severity of this ongoing conflict, where Pashtun activists, leaders, and members of PTM have faced increased persecution. These draconian measures reflect not only the state’s determination to suppress dissent but also the resilience of the Pashtun community in their quest for justice, equality, and human rights.

In the past few days, there have been reports of intensified police raids targeting PTM leaders across Pakistan. These raids have led to the arrest of several prominent figures within the movement, with the state’s actions seemingly aimed at crippling the leadership before an upcoming PTM gathering. 

Sherzade Maseed, a key figure in the PTM’s South Waziristan region, recounted how the police raided the home of Alamzeb Maseed, an activist who has previously been imprisoned five times. Alamzeb’s work involved documenting the cases of forcibly disappeared individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a contentious issue that has long haunted the Pashtun community.

These arrests are not isolated incidents. Similar actions have been reported in other parts of South Waziristan, where the families of PTM members have also been subjected to arrests and harassment. For instance, the brother, father, and cousin of Shah Faisal Ghazi, a local mayor, were detained following a police raid on his house. Other PTM leaders, such as Mohammad Khan and the head of PTM Barmal, have also been targeted, with accounts of brutal physical assaults during their arrests.

State Crackdown Ahead of Jirga

These aggressive measures by the state are indicative of a broader strategy to silence PTM and its supporters, particularly as the movement prepares for a significant Jirga (council) on October 11, 2024. 

This three-day grand Jirga, titled the “National Justice of Pashtuns,” is expected to draw large crowds and address the critical issues facing the Pashtun community, including forced disappearances, land rights, and exploitation of natural resources. The state’s actions appear to be a calculated effort to derail this gathering, as evidenced by the arrests of PTM leaders in several regions of Pakistan.

The repressive actions are not confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Waziristan. In Karachi, PTM leader Noorullah Tareen reported that eight members of the movement were arrested in recent days, with the police filing terrorism charges against them. These arrests followed a PTM meeting held in the Manghopir area on September 27, in preparation for the upcoming Jirga. The police claimed that PTM members had fired at them during the meeting, a charge that PTM vehemently denies.

This narrative of state repression is becoming all too familiar for the PTM. Throughout Pakistan, PTM leaders have been subjected to fabricated charges, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged imprisonments. For instance, Ali Wazir, a notable PTM leader, and others like Maulana Zeenatullah Afghan and Salman Toure remain imprisoned on charges of incitement against the state. These leaders are repeatedly accused of terrorism, a label that the state uses to discredit their peaceful demands for justice.

As the date for the October 11 Jirga approaches, the Pakistani government has intensified its crackdown on PTM. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, acting on the federal government’s orders, have raided the PTM’s administrative camps three times in early October. 

According to PTM members, the police burnt their tents, fired tear gas, and even shot at them, injuring several activists. Despite these violent actions, PTM organizers, supported by local civic leaders, managed to regroup and continue their preparations for the Jirga.

Manzoor Pashteen, the head of PTM, has remained steadfast in the face of these challenges. In a video statement, he expressed his determination to proceed with the Jirga despite the state’s repressive measures. He called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police to refrain from using violence against their own people, emphasizing the Pashtun community’s commitment to peaceful resistance. Pashteen’s defiance reflects the resilience of the PTM and its supporters, who have faced decades of oppression but remain unwavering in their pursuit of justice.

State Repression and PTM Resistance

The Pakistani government’s stance towards PTM reflects its broader approach to dissent and demands for justice. The state often accuses PTM of inciting hatred against the military and other state institutions, portraying the movement as a threat to national security. These accusations are frequently accompanied by calls for “strict measures” to be taken against PTM, as seen in official correspondence from the Ministry of Interior and other state entities. These measures, however, have done little to quell the determination of PTM and its supporters.

The PTM has repeatedly denied these accusations, asserting that their activism is peaceful and in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution. PTM’s primary aim is to advocate for the rights of the Pashtun people, who have been disproportionately affected by state violence, military operations, and enforced disappearances. Despite the state’s attempts to frame the movement as a security threat, PTM continues to garner widespread support within Pakistan, particularly among the Pashtun population.

The struggle of the Pashtuns in Pakistan is a testament to the resilience of a community that has long been subjected to oppression and marginalization. The Pakistani state’s actions against PTM leaders and members, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and false accusations of terrorism, reflect a broader effort to stifle dissent and prevent the Pashtuns from organizing for their rights. However, despite the state’s draconian measures, PTM remains committed to its cause, with leaders like Manzoor Pashteen emphasizing the importance of peaceful resistance and unity.

As the October 11 Jirga approaches, the world will be watching how the Pakistani government responds to the growing demand for justice. Whether the state continues its repressive tactics or chooses to engage in dialogue will determine the future of not only PTM but also the broader Pashtun struggle for dignity and rights.

The author chooses a pseudonym. Kadeem Baloch is a freelance journalist based in Pakistan. 

Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.