Fazal Amin
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday imposed a ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), citing threats to national peace and security, Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to revoke the ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM).
According to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry, the PTM is declared “unlawful” under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997,
The Interior Ministry announced that the PTM poses a “significant danger” to public order and safety in the country.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced Tuesday that the PTM has been banned for alleged anti-state activities, Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Tarar accused the PTM of burning Pakistan’s flags, attacking foreign missions, and receiving foreign funding. He also claimed the group had ties to terrorist organizations, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan.
Tarar said the cabinet’s decision followed a review of evidence and warned that no group promoting an anti-Pakistan agenda would be tolerated. However, he emphasized that peaceful protests and constructive criticism remain permitted. He urged “misguided elements” to return to the national fold. “misguided elements” to return to the national fold.
Amnesty International on Tuesday urged the Pakistani government to immediately lift the ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), describing it as a violation of the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. The rights group called the move an “affront” to basic freedoms in Pakistan and demanded the authorities reverse the decision promptly.
