Anti-Pakistan Protest By Kashmiris And Pashtuns Draws Thousands In London

Thousands of Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom took part in the London Kashmir Million March on Sunday, beginning at Parliament Square and proceeding to the Pakistani High Commission.

The demonstration was organised to protest alleged human rights violations in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to demand the release of detained political activists. Organisers estimated that around 50,000 people joined the march, making it one of the largest diaspora protests in recent years.

The protest was not limited to Kashmiris alone. Members of the Baloch and Pashtun communities also joined, highlighting abuses committed by the Pakistan Army in their own regions and expressing solidarity with the people of PoJK. Their participation underscored the shared grievances of multiple ethnic groups against Islamabad’s policies and military actions.

Protesters chanted pro‑freedom slogans throughout the march and condemned the arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir, head of the Joint Awami Action Committee, along with other political leaders. They described the detention of Kashmiri activists as a direct assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, demanding their immediate release. The crackdown on political dissent was a recurring theme in speeches and slogans.

Speaking outside the Pakistani High Commission, Mahmood Kashmiri, a political activist from PoJK, accused Pakistani forces of committing violence against civilians in Tattapani, Sehnsa and Kotli. He declared that Kashmiris across the world were uniting to oppose what he described as oppression in the region. He emphasised that British Kashmiris had gathered in large numbers to raise their voices internationally against Pakistani forces.

Mahmood Kashmiri urged Pakistan to honour its agreements and grant the people of PoJK their rights. He warned that if the ruling class continued to massacre Kashmiris, global communities and those within Azad Kashmir would stand firm against the oppressive system. He insisted that the people would reclaim the rights that had been taken away by the rulers of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

He also demanded the return of the bodies of Kashmiri youths allegedly taken into custody by Pakistani authorities and called for the release of detained youth. He vowed that Kashmiris would never surrender to oppression and would continue their peaceful struggle against tyranny and injustice. His remarks resonated strongly with the crowd, reinforcing the determination of the diaspora to sustain pressure.

The demonstration took place against the backdrop of continuing unrest in PoJK following protests that began on 5 June. Organisers noted that the agitation intensified after several local protesters were killed in firing by Pakistani security forces. Since then, multiple leaders and activists associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee have been arrested, fuelling allegations that the crackdown on dissent is ongoing.

Organisers explained that the London Kashmir Million March was intended to express solidarity with victims of unrest in PoJK and to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights abuses. They appealed to the international community to take note of what they described as continued repression of Kashmiris in the territory. The march was thus both a show of diaspora unity and a call for global intervention.

ANI

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Baloch Also Joins Kashmiri Activists In London March Against Pakistan

Baloch political and human rights activist Aomar Karim joined the London Kashmir Million March on Sunday, emphasising the need for unity among Baloch, Kashmiri and Pashtun communities to confront human rights violations in Pakistan.

The march began at UK Parliament Square and proceeded to the Pakistani High Commission in London, drawing hundreds of protesters who demanded an end to abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called for the release of political activists.

During the demonstration, Karim strongly condemned the arrest of Joint Awami Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir. He described the detention of Kashmiri activists as an assault on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He carried a banner highlighting the plight of Baloch leaders and members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, demanding their release.

The banner featured Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee, both sentenced to life imprisonment, alongside Bebow Baloch, Bebarg Zehri and Gulzadi Baloch, who remain in detention. 

Karim stressed that the struggles of the Baloch and Kashmiri people were interconnected, declaring that their pain and their adversary were the same. He urged communities to stand together and raise their voices against Pakistan’s violations in both Balochistan and Kashmir.

Karim appealed to Baloch, Kashmiri and Pashtun communities to strengthen cooperation and continue highlighting their concerns on international platforms. He argued that a united voice would build greater pressure for justice and accountability.

Members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement joined the march alongside Kashmiri activists, reinforcing the collective demand for the release of political prisoners, respect for fundamental freedoms and an end to alleged abuses.

Karim underlined the importance of such demonstrations, saying they provide a vital platform for communities affected by conflict and repression to express solidarity. He insisted that whether in Balochistan, PoJK or the Pashtun regions, the demand remained the same: respect for human rights, justice and freedom. He called for mutual support to ensure the international community hears their voices.

The march concluded outside the Pakistani High Commission in London, where demonstrators urged the international community to increase pressure on Pakistan over alleged violations and the detention of political activists. The event highlighted the growing cooperation among marginalised communities and their determination to seek justice through peaceful mobilisation.

ANI

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Pakistani Army Bombs Mosque In North Waziristan Village

The reported bombing of a mosque in Zalae Banoon village, located in Tehsil Domel Sparkah of North Waziristan, has sparked sharp reaction among Pashtun communities and rights groups.

According to a statement by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Holland, the incident occurred during Asr prayers when the Pakistani army allegedly targeted the religious site, injuring two civilians. 

The group condemned the attack as a grave violation of religious and human values, calling it part of a broader pattern of systemic military aggression in Pashtun-majority areas.

Local sources described an atmosphere of fear in the aftermath of the bombing, as communication lines in the area were disrupted. This isolation, according to PTM activists, has often been used to restrict media access and prevent documentation of human rights abuses.

The group accused the Pakistani state of turning Pashtun tribal lands into conflict laboratories, where civilians endure decades of militarisation, forced displacement, and restricted civil liberties.

PTM Holland’s statement questioned the legal and moral justification of striking a place of worship, demanding accountability and transparency from the state. It emphasised that mosques, homes, and schools have been repeatedly targeted under the pretext of counter-insurgency, creating a climate of trauma and perpetual insecurity among residents.

The organisation linked this incident to ongoing policies of collective punishment used historically in Waziristan under military operations, warning that such actions deepen alienation and resentment among the local population.

In parallel, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement - United States (PTM-US) declared what it described as a significant diplomatic move to internationalise the issue. The group announced the San Antonio, Texas Jirga Declaration, intended for submission to the US Congress, the United Nations, and leading human rights organisations.

This initiative aims to draw global attention to what PTM calls long-standing abuses—including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests—against Pashtuns in Pakistan’s north-western regions.

PTM-US described the campaign as the collective voice of marginalised communities seeking justice beyond national boundaries. The group stated that sustained international engagement is necessary to halt continued persecution and to ensure the protection of basic human rights.

They also framed the bombing in Zalae Banoon as a direct reflection of broader state policies that prioritise militarisation over reconciliation, further destabilising the already fragile social fabric of the region.

Human rights observers have noted that North Waziristan remains one of Pakistan’s most sensitive and heavily militarised zones after successive counter-terrorism operations.

Despite claims of normalisation, sporadic violence, curfews, and restrictions on civic activity persist. Civil society activists argue that the continuing military presence hinders development, displaces populations, and perpetuates cycles of insecurity.

The growing activism of PTM chapters abroad underscores a widening international dimension to the Pashtun rights movement. With global platforms now being approached directly, the narrative of state oppression in Pakistan’s tribal belt is gaining renewed diplomatic visibility.

The recent mosque bombing, if verified, risks further discrediting Pakistan’s internal security policies and could invite scrutiny from international watchdogs monitoring religious freedoms and minority rights.

For many Pashtuns, the latest incident has revived painful memories of previous military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Rah-e-Nijat, which displaced thousands and inflicted heavy civilian losses. 

PTM’s evolving campaign seeks to ensure that such violence does not go unnoticed by the global community and that accountability mechanisms are put in place to end what they describe as decades of marginalisation under the banner of national security.

Based On ANI Report

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Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi And Kashmiri Activists Unite In Afghan United Front Meet Against Pakistani Control

The Afghan United Front recently convened an online meeting that brought together prominent activists from the Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi, and Kashmiri communities. The participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to achieving freedom and independence from Pakistan’s control.

The virtual gathering was highlighted in a social media post by PoK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza, who underlined the shared struggle of these groups against what they termed Pakistan’s systemic oppression.

Speakers at the event criticised Islamabad for its long-standing use of education, media, and religious seminaries as vehicles of ideological indoctrination. They cited the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq between 1977 and 1988 as a turning point, when the number of madrassas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expanded from under a hundred to nearly ten thousand. According to them, this network became central to Zia’s efforts to impose rigid Islamist narratives across the region and weaken Pashtun nationalism within Pakistan.

Pashtun representatives argued that the creation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the propagation of the idea of “Pashtunistan” were designed to divide and confuse the Pashtun identity. They asserted that the Pashtun homeland has historical and cultural roots tied deeply to Afghanistan, a connection consistently undermined by Pakistani state policies aimed at suppressing ethnic consciousness and self-determination movements.

Participants raised concerns over Pakistan’s handling of terrorism within its borders, questioning why such acts rarely occur in Punjab despite the presence of extremist leadership and infrastructure there. They claimed this reflected selective state control over militant activity and a deliberate attempt to keep peripheral regions destabilised while sparing the political heartland of Punjab.

Sindhi activists accused the Pakistan Army of maintaining systemic dominance in Sindh, pointing out that no Sindhi has ever held senior command positions such as Chief of Army Staff or Corps Commander.

They expressed frustration that despite Sindh’s vast contribution to Pakistan’s economy—providing the majority of the country’s GDP, gas, and oil output—the province continues to suffer economic marginalisation. They also highlighted the immense value of Sindh’s lignite coal reserves and contrasted it with the persistent poverty and political neglect of the local population.

Baloch speakers described Islamabad’s control over Balochistan as an occupation rather than governance. They rejected the separatist label, asserting instead that their cause is rooted in legitimate resistance to exploitation and repression.

They condemned ongoing military operations, enforced disappearances, and widespread human rights violations that have plagued the province for decades, claiming that these actions are intended to stifle Baloch demands for sovereignty and resource autonomy.

Kashmiri activists called for a unified coalition of all oppressed nations living under Pakistani administration. They emphasised that Pashtuns, Baloch, Sindhis, and Kashmiris face a shared crisis of identity and leadership under an unaccountable central authority. The speakers pressed for solidarity among political and resistance movements, urging coordinated efforts to advance justice, self-determination, and democratic rights.

The meeting concluded with a joint declaration reaffirming the participants’ determination to continue their struggle for independence, dignity, and the restoration of sovereign rights. It underscored that the ongoing resistance would persist until all oppressed nationalities under Pakistani rule achieve self-governance and freedom from domination.

Based On ANI Report

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Pakistan Army’s Undeclared War Against Pashtuns

by Nilesh Kunwar

Though public protests against lack civic facilities, scarcity of essential goods, rising unemployment and inflation are commonplace in Pakistan, but what spurred widespread agitations in the Dir, Waziristan and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in August 2022 wasn’t due to any of these reasons.

The locals had taken to the streets with an unusual complaint that the government and army weren’t doing anything to curb the growing presence of armed fighters of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group.

Unchecked influx of TTP fighters assumed such gargantuan proportions that it even came up for discussion in the National Assembly and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was forced to acknowledge the significant presence of TTP fighters in KP. Since this restive province has been the traditional stronghold of this terrorist group, public resentment against TTP was indeed a blessing in disguise for the Pakistan army as it created ideal conditions for launching a concerted operation against TTP and decimating this terrorist group.

However, despite abundant physical evidence that buttressed this dangerous development, Rawalpindi thought otherwise. Director General (DG) of Pakistan army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor not only dismissed reports of TTP presence in KP as “a misperception” created on social media, but even went on to add that “After confirmation on ground, these reports have be found as grossly exaggerated and misleading.” In short, Rawalpindi held that while the law makers and locals were wrong, it was the Pakistan army that was (like it always claims) right!

And in an obvious attempt to downplay the facts readily available in public domain, DGISPR admitted that “presence of a small number of armed men on a few mountain tops between Swat and Dir has been observed, located far away from the population.” What the Pakistan army didn’t care to explain was why were armed men allowed to settle down on “a few mountain tops” in the first place? Some say that the army had taken it for granted that as these armed people were “located far away from populated areas,” they were no threat to locals.

Isn’t it surprising that even though the Pakistani Defence Minister called influx of TTP terrorists into KP a “national issue,” the army took no cognisance of his genuine concern. So it’s no big surprise that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) pulled up Rawalpindi for shamefully abdicating its constitutional responsibilities by maintaining that “Swat’s residents are right to hold the security forces responsible for failing to enforce the writ of the state.”

But the real reason for Rawalpindi’s unpardonable apathy lay elsewhere-the Pakistan army had been holding Afghanistan Taliban brokered clandestine peace talks with TTP which for inexplicable reasons details of these negotiations weren’t shared with the senators.

Hence it did not want to upset the dialogue process and invite public criticism for 'sleeping with the enemy'. In fact, as early as June 2022, when Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed raised this issue in National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Senator Irfanul Haq passed the buck by saying that these talks had not been initiated during its term, adding that “We were also unaware who is holding these talks and where they are taking place.”

How could the Pakistan army sit down to cut a peace deal with TTP, the terrorist group that carried out the dastardly 2014 Army Public School Peshawar attack in which nearly 150 innocent students and staff members were brutally murdered and has the blood of hundreds of soldiers and civilians on its hands? While Rawalpindi may claim that it was holding talks with TTP on directions of the Imran Khan run government, but even an amateur Pakistan watcher will agree that in Pakistan while the legislature proposes it’s the army that ultimately disposes. Hence, these talks could have never taken place had Rawalpindi decided against it.

By agreeing to a unilateral ceasefire declared by TTP and the making the highly unreasonable concession of allowing its cadres to surreptitiously establish themselves in KP alongwith unconditional release of more than a hundred convicted TTP fighters, Rawalpindi only ended up give this terrorist group the much need time and space it required to regroup and refit. However, such is its fear amongst the people that no one has demanded an explanation for its irresponsible actions.

The rest is history.

In its endeavour to defeat TTP the Pakistan army may have pulled out all the stops but while doing so it has demonstrated scant concern for the Pashtun majority population of KP, and the recent missile attack by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Tara Valley’s Matre Dara village in KP that left at least 30 civilians, including women and children dead and several others injured is just one example. Media reports claim that using Chinese made JF 17 fighter jets, PAF struck the village with at least six LS-6 precision guided munitions (PGM) of Chinese origin.

How could those who approved this air strike go so wrong? Was the intelligence that TTP was using the houses targeted inaccurate? Did this happen due to the unreliability of Chinese fighter jets and/or munitions- the JF 17 fighter jet navigational systems going awry or the LS-6 PGM malfunctioning and missing the target? Or was it a cavalier decision triggered by inherent apathy towards the Pashtun people?

When viewed in the broader context, the last probability appears to be the most likely as the Punjabi dominant Pakistan army’s hatred for Pashtuns is no secret.

Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) is a peaceful community movement pursuing reasonable objectives like accountability for wanton violence against its people by the authorities, information on Pashtuns forcibly disappeared by security forces, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, clearance of landmines laid by the Pakistan army in Waziristan that were for killing/maiming locals and recognition of Pashtuns as equal citizens of the country.

Yet, during a media interaction session six years ago, DGISPR in an act unbecoming of a two star army General unashamedly spewed venom against PTM and also issued threats. A sample of some of his prejudiced utterances:

• “How much money did you get from NDS (National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan’s erstwhile intelligence agency) to keep your protest running?”

• “How much money did RAW (Research and Analysis Wing, India’s intelligence agency) give you for your first sit-in in Islamabad?”

• “Nobody can fight the state. We care about the people you’re trying to instigate, otherwise it is not difficult to deal with you.”

• “Why does TTP speak in favour of PTM? Why is your narrative similar?”

• “Whatever liberties you could take, you have taken.”

• Their (PTM leadership’s) time is up!

The DGISPR’s “time is up” warning to PTM was no idle threat. Less than a month later, in what is came to be known as the infamous ‘Kharqamar incident’, Pakistan army soldiers fired indiscriminately at PTM protesters who were demanding release of innocent civilians rounded up after a terrorist attack near the Khraqamar check post, killing at least 13 and injuring more than 25 others. Two PTM leaders were imprisoned for allegedly inciting the protesters but were inexplicably released four months later without being charged.

Rawalpindi maintained that the army personnel acted in self defence after the protesters had fired at them killing one soldier and injuring a few others. But by preventing the HRCP team from visiting the incident site or questioning witnesses, it became evident that the army was trying to conceal the truth. With the government subsequently withdrawing this case without assigning any reasons for denying justice to a soldier who was allegedly killed and others injured by PTM protesters, this apprehension has acquired undeniable credibility.

The Pashtuns are indeed an unfortunate lot treated as children of a lesser God. When they protested against the influx of TTP fighters in several districts of KP, the Pakistan army blames them of using social media to spread “misperception.” When they protest peacefully against enforced disappearances and institutionalised marginalisation, they are accused of working at the behest of New Delhi. When they protest against a large-scale anti-terrorist operation in KP solely because it would displace thousands of locals and cause extensive ‘collateral damage’ to civilian life and property as had happened in the past, they were branded as TTP proxies. (As per an August 2025 media report, more than 55,000 people or roughly 20,000 families have already fled their homes in KP).

And now even though Pashtuns in KP are mercilessly being pounded by missiles and exterminated in the Pakistan army's war against TTP, the war is simultaneously being waged against the innocent Pashtun people. Innocent civilians losing their lives and limbs due to such irresponsible behaviour don’t seem to worry Rawalpindi, because for ISPR to portray a mangled corpse of an innocent Pashtun as the mortal remains of some fictitious “high profile” TTP terrorist commander like Aman Gul and Masood Khan, is no big deal!

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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Tribal Uprising Grows As Thousands Reject Pakistan's Failed Military Solutions In Waziristan And Mohmand

The tribal regions of North and South Waziristan, as well as Mohmand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, are witnessing a significant groundswell of peaceful protest and public dissent against the state’s ongoing military approach to regional security.

On Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders, political leaders, and civil society members, participated in mass rallies and sit-ins across these districts to unequivocally reject any new military operations and caution against further displacement of local communities.

In Mohmand district’s Mian Mandi Bazaar (Halimzai tehsil), a massive rally saw broad collaboration among diverse political and social factions.

Leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), and the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) united to declare the government's failure to deliver lasting peace. Participants emphasized a desire for stability and condemned past violence, including the recent killing of Maulana Khan Zeb, a respected advocate for tribal rights.

The rally’s collective message centred on citizens’ willingness to comply with the law and pay taxes, appealing simply for the right to live in peace.

In North Waziristan, the Utmanzai Jirga Aman Pasoon organized a demonstration in Miramshah. Key spokesperson Mufti Baitullah voiced the widespread community sentiment that previous large-scale military operations, such as Zarb-i-Azb, had failed to resolve the area’s entrenched issues. The jirga made it clear that any attempts to launch new military campaigns would be met with public opposition. 

Among their demands, they highlighted the release of the elder Malik Akbar Khan, who has been imprisoned for eight months, asserting that his freedom is vital for rebuilding trust between the government and local tribal communities.

Plan for further demonstrations was also announced, including a protest in Dattakhel, where residents are suffering through an extended 11-day curfew, severely restricting daily life.

Meanwhile, in Lower South Waziristan, an eight-day sit-in at Wana Bypass Chowk concluded following productive negotiations between protest leaders and district officials.

Outcomes from the dialogue included commitments to reopen the crucial Angoor Adda border crossing, address persistent law and order problems, and recognise tribal ownership rights over local mineral resources.

Economic devastation resulting from the prolonged closure of Angoor Adda was highlighted by Saifur Rehman Wazir, president of the region’s Chamber of Commerce, who noted that the shut down of trade had led to financial losses in the billions and the collapse of local markets.

These orchestrated, non-violent demonstrations reflect a united, collective demand among the tribal populations for rights, peace, and traditional dignity.

The scope and tone of the protests underscore a profound disillusionment with continued militarized responses to the region’s challenges, and a growing insistence that their voices, rights, and economic livelihoods be restored and safeguarded by the state.

Based On ANI Report

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Pakistan's Military Operations In Waziristan Bring Devastation, Tribal Jirga Condemns State Violence

The recent grand jirga of the Mehsud tribe in Upper South Waziristan marks a significant moment of collective resistance against Pakistan’s ongoing military operations in the region. Convened in Makin tehsil and drawing thousands of participants from across South and North Waziristan, the jirga brought together a diverse cross-section of tribal society, including elders, students, lawyers, journalists, and political figures.

Notably, elected representatives such as MPAs Asif Khan Mehsud and Ajab Gul Wazir, MNA Zubair Khan Wazir, former senator Saleh Shah, and leaders from major political parties, including the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), were present, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the widespread concern among the local population.

During the jirga, participants voiced unanimous outrage at the deteriorating law and order in the merged tribal districts, squarely blaming the state’s militarised policies for the repeated suffering of civilians. They highlighted a grim reality: targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, and bomb blasts have become distressingly common, while ongoing military clashes with militants continue to displace innocent people.

The jirga strongly condemned indiscriminate mortar shelling, forced evacuations, and civilian casualties, labelling them as gross human rights violations and a betrayal of the state’s constitutional obligations. The participants argued that these actions have not only failed to bring peace but have also deepened the sense of alienation and trauma among the tribal communities.

A key resolution adopted by the jirga demanded an immediate halt to military operations and an end to the shelling of civilian areas. The resolution called for a shift towards a respectful, rights-based approach to engaging with the tribal population, emphasizing the need for dignity and inclusion. Speakers at the event accused the state of treating tribal citizens as perpetual suspects, despite their longstanding loyalty to Pakistan. They criticized the government for its persistent failure to provide basic security, education, and economic development, pointing to deserted markets, closed schools, and widespread psychological distress as evidence of the devastating impact of current policies.

The jirga’s demands were clear: tribal communities must be integrated into the national mainstream with dignity, and their voices must be included in key decision-making processes. The jirga warned that any further silence from the authorities would only deepen the people’s frustration and sense of injustice.

Concluding with a vow to continue peaceful resistance through constitutional means, the jirga nonetheless issued a firm warning that if legitimate demands continue to be ignored, the community’s patience may run out.

This jirga stands as a powerful indictment of Pakistan’s state policies in Waziristan, where military dominance has supplanted governance, and human rights have been sacrificed in the name of security. 

The collective outcry from the jirga underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the state’s approach—one that prioritizes human rights, development, and genuine dialogue over force and suspicion. If the authorities fail to heed these calls, the region risks further destabilisation and alienation, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s social fabric and national unity.

Based On ANI Report

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Amnesty International Highlights Human Rights Violations In Pakistan Ahead of UN Review

London: Amnesty International announced on Wednesday that Pakistan is set for its second review by the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva on October 17 and 18, emphasizing that "human rights violations and abuses are still widespread."

This review falls under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory, according to the rights organization's statement.

The organization highlighted several concerning issues reported in the past month, including two extrajudicial killings of blasphemy suspects by police, crackdowns on protests, the enactment of the restrictive Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, arbitrary detention and mass arrests of opposition workers and leaders, a ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), and harassment of human rights defenders like Mahrang Baloch.

Amnesty noted that the review offers an opportunity for the Pakistani government to assess the state of human rights in the country and implement concrete measures to address the concerns raised.

On October 6, the government banned the PTM, citing threats to national peace and security. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the PTM was declared "unlawful" under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. A notification from the interior ministry stated that the PTM posed a "significant danger" to public order and safety, resulting in its inclusion in the First Schedule of the ATA as a proscribed organization.

However, on October 10, the federal government tentatively agreed to lift the ban, subject to certain conditions. Sources indicated that specific procedures must be followed for this, leading to the temporary suspension of the ban notification. It was also agreed that the 'proscribed' PTM could proceed with its scheduled Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga on October 11. Following the ban, Amnesty International urged Pakistani authorities on October 8 to revoke the PTM's prohibition, calling it "an affront to the rights of freedom of association and peaceful assembly in the country."

Last month, Amnesty International also called for a "thorough, impartial, and independent" investigation into the recent killings of two blasphemy suspects by police in Sindh and Balochistan. On September 12, police constable Saad Khan Sarhadi shot a blasphemy suspect, Abdul Ali, inside the lockup at the Cantt Police Station in Quetta.

A week later, Shah Nawaz Kunhbar was killed by police in an 'encounter' in Mirpurkhas. After his body was returned to his family, they were followed by extremists who seized the corpse and set it on fire Dawn reported.

On Saturday, Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch was charged in a terrorism case for allegedly inciting people by making "allegations against security institutions." The FIR claimed she was involved with various militant groups, naming nine, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). It stated, "The innocent men and women of Balochistan have been misled by failed anti-state conspiracies." Mahrang described the case as "fabricated," asserting that it reflects the state's growing discomfort with her activism.

Earlier, on October 8, immigration authorities at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport barred her from boarding a flight to New York, where she was scheduled to attend a Time magazine event. Mahrang was featured in Time magazine's '2024 Time100 Next' list for her peaceful advocacy for Baloch rights.

According to Dawn report on Monday, the Sindh High Court prohibited police from arresting or harassing her. She filed two petitions through her lawyer, Jibran Nasir, seeking to quash the FIR against her and to initiate an inquiry into certain police officers who allegedly assaulted her and her companions, confiscating her mobile phone and passport at the airport. A two-judge bench led by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar ordered the police to refrain from taking any coercive action against her concerning the FIR.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Rawalpindi’s Undeclared ‘War’ On Pashtun And Baloch People

by Nilesh Kunwar

With Pakistan army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir raising the “foreign hand” linked “digital terrorism” bogey an declaring that “To weaken Pakistan's armed forces is tantamount to weakening the country itself," freedom of speech in the country has been further curtailed. That he chose to announce this curb on freedom of expression on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day is, to say the least, morbidly ironical. However, Gen Munir’s diktat didn’t come as any surprise because the Pakistan army’s wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) had already prepared the public for the same.

During a press conference held in the first week of August, Director General (DG) ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had stated that “you can see that lies, propaganda-particularly on social media-fake news and doctored images (related to Pakistan’s armed forces) continue to spread while confusion is created in the public’s mind.” Lamenting that “the law is not taking its course against (digital terrorism’ the way it should,” DGISPR said that the Pakistan army meant business and as such was taking this issue very seriously.

In what was obviously an attempt to embarrass the government for not bringing perceived offenders to book as well as intimidate the public, Lt Gen Chaudhry made two points. One, he said that “It is the country’s law that has to control and curb digital terrorism… But the law is not taking its course against (digital terrorism) the way it should.” . Such brusque admonition of a democratically elected government by the army’s media chief may shock the unversed but comes as no surprise for Pakistan watchers.

Two, he made it amply clear to his countrymen that “whoever, whether in Pakistan or abroad and irrespective of their position is found spreading propaganda against the Pakistan Army, creating a distance between the army and the people, or is found to be involved in spreading fake news, the army will take necessary legal action against it,” adding that “there’s a whole process for it.” .

However, in his exuberance the DGISPR unwittingly revealed that in the garb of acting against “digital terrorism,” Rawalpindi was cunningly trying to silence public criticism of its cavalier ways and extra-constitutional control over and interference in the functioning of various constitutional and governmental organisations/bodies. With the Pakistan army chief reiterating this warning by equating criticism of the army with treason, this menacing message to both Islamabad and the public was loud and clear.

It’s also an unambiguous indication that despite having covertly manipulated insertion of Section 500A in the Pakistan Penal Code that criminalises intentional ridicule or defamation of the armed forces and its members, Rawalpindi has not been able to stop people from denouncing its highhandedness. However, upholding former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s assurance that “the army (has) decided after a lot of deliberation that it will not interfere in any political issue,” Rawalpindi brazenly continues to do so.

Pakistan army’s undeclared war on Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is an example. Founded by Manzoor Pashteen in 2014, this is a grass root level social initiative against violation of the rights of Pashtun people due to abuse by Pakistani security forces, as well as extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and threat posed by landmines. Despite holding peaceful protests, PTM has been the target of the Pakistani security forces. The intensity of Pakistan army’s hostility can be gauged from 2019 Kharqamar massacre in which the Pakistan army opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful PTM protesters killing at least 13 and injured more than 25 workers.

While the army tried to cover-up this incident by alleging that soldiers fired on the protesters as the army post there was “attacked” by PTM, it was however unable to provide any credible evidence in support of its claim. Moreover, by refusing permission to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) investigation team to visit the site of the incident and ascertain facts on ground, the Pakistan army only raised more suspicions on its account and conduct.

Pakistan army’s intense hatred towards PTM is no secret. In May 2019, while trying to portray PTM as a foreign-aided terrorist organisation, the then DGISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had during a media interaction queried, “How much money did you get from the NDS (National Directorate of Security of Afghanistan) to run your campaign? How much money did RAW (Research and Analysis Wing of India) give you for the first dharna (protest) in Islamabad?” He then stunned the audience by announcing that “Their (PTM’s) time is up”! .

Less than a month after DGISPR’s “time is up” threat, the Kharqamar massacre occurred, which if just a coincidence, is most definitely a most curious one. Equally intriguing is the completely unsubstantiated recent claim of PTM being “engaged in certain activities which are prejudicial to the peace and security of the country” which has conveniently been used as an excuse to ban this social movement under Section 18 of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.

Next is the Pakistan army’s undisguised animosity towards the people of Balochistan. During the media interaction in which he issued the “time is up” threat, he also spewed venom against the Baloch people. When queried by Hamid Mir of Geo TV on enforced disappearances in Balochistan being orchestrated by the Pakistan army, DGISPR replied, “You have a deep attachment with missing persons (but) so have we. We don’t wish that anyone should be missing. But when its war, you have to do a lot of unpleasant things- as they say, all is fair in love and war; war is very ruthless.”

Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is an indigenous human rights organisation in Balochistan created to peacefully address the burgeoning malady of rampant enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses against the Baloch people by the Pakistan army, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. It is led by Dr Mahrang Baloch a 31 year old lady whose father, a human rights activist, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces in broad daylight in 2011, tortured and then extra-judicially executed.

In recognition of the extraordinary courage in opposing state oppression displayed by Dr Baloch and her relentless advocacy against enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Balochistan, Time magazine named her as one of the 100 emerging influential leaders of the year. This obviously rattled Rawalpindi and in a clumsy move patently orchestrated by Rawalpindi, she was barred from travelling to New York for the felicitation ceremony by the immigration authorities at Karachi airport supposedly on directions of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

When it became apparent that she would be seeking legal recourse against this unjustified travel restriction, a First Information Report (FIR) or police complaint against Dr Baloch was filed by a local resident. Interestingly, besides the accusation of Dr Baloch having links with the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the FIR includes allegations like blocking highways, inciting educated Baloch youth to indulge in violence and targeting non Baloch people. These charges are punishable under ATA 1997 and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

It doesn’t require rocket science to discern that the FIR against Dr Baloch has been painstakingly worded to ensure that the book is thrown at Dr Baloch. That Rawalpindi unquestionably has a hand in the filing of this FIR through a proxy is evident from the fact that one of the charges against the BYC chief is levelling “false accusations” against security agencies.

As mentioned earlier, a two-star General of Pakistan army (who exposed Rawalpindi’s reprehensible ‘all is fair in love and war’ strategy in Balochistan) has himself publicly admitted that enforced disappearances in Balochistan do occur. Hence, isn’t it odd that a Baloch activist saying the same and supporting her claims with indisputable facts should be accused for levelling “false accusations” against the Pakistan army and other security agencies?

But in Pakistan one can’t expect to take on the army and get away with it and what happened to former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, his daughter Benazir Bhutto Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan are grim reminders of how viscously Rawalpindi can strike back.

Hence both the PTM and BYC chiefs really need to watch-out and be careful!

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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Pashtuns In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gather In Large Number To Discuss Challenges Faced By Community

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The Pashtun Justice Tribal Jirga began on Saturday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after facing a one-day delay, Tolo News reported.

Thousands of people from various parts of Pakistan have gathered at this Jirga (meeting) to discuss the challenges and pressures they are facing at the hands of the Pakistani government.

Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), stated that Pashtun leaders are tired of the situation in the country.

The Pashtun Justice Tribal Jirga was initially scheduled for October 11, but attempts by the Pakistani police to prevent the gathering delayed the event by a single day. The Pashtun Justice Tribal Jirga is expected to continue for three days to discuss leading issues the community faces.

Pashtuns, despite being one of the largest ethnic minorities of Pakistan, continue to routinely face discrimination. They are subjected to various crimes such as killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions of members of their community.

The Jirga that commenced on Saturday comes at the backdrop of rising violence the Pashtun community is facing, which includes a recent attack in Balochistan that claimed many lives.

Speaking to public, Manzoor Pashteen said, "Here our scholars, our elders, or our tribal leaders have come to the field due to the taunts they have faced. Members of all political parties have come here with full commitment, and a decision will be made that benefits the nation."

Tolo news reported that thousands of people gathered near the tents of the assembly and chanted slogans against terrorism and chaos in the region.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of one of Pakistan's leading political parties, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, also stated that he has sent a delegation to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to participate in the assembly. He added that security issues and addressing Pashtun rights are key topics at the event.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "There are two main problems: one is insecurity, especially in our province and generally across the country, and the second is the issue of our rights. We should be given our due rights on the matters that concern us," Tolo news noted.

Rehman's words become significant as he wields considerable public support in Pakistan.

Protest was registered in the international echelons too as Amnesty International condemned Pakistan from preventing the peaceful meeting and slapping PTM with the charges of promoting terrorism in the country.

"The listing of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement as a proscribed organization, days ahead of their gathering scheduled on 11 October, is part of a systematic and relentless clampdown by the Pakistani authorities on peaceful protests and assemblies by dissenting groups. This latest arbitrary ban under over-broad powers of the terror law is only the tip of the iceberg - for years the Pakistani authorities have suppressed such movements from marginalized regions by resorting to unlawful use of force, enforced disappearances, and media bans on the coverage of protests or rallies," said Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for South Asia.

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Pashtun Tahafuz Movement Appeals To Un For Intervention Against Pakistan's Ban

Geneva: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a peaceful grassroots movement advocating for the human rights of the Pashtun ethnic minority in Pakistan, has urged the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to intervene and lift the illegal ban imposed on PTM by the Pakistani government.

In a letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner, PTM representatives highlighted that on October 6, 2024, the organisation was designated as a "proscribed organization" under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. They criticised the Pakistani government for failing to provide any evidence against PTM, which has been unjustly accused of activities that undermine peace and security in the country.

The letter emphasised that PTM is itself a victim of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, intimidation, harassment, and violence perpetrated by the Pakistan Army and its intelligence agencies.

On October 9, 2024, Pakistani security forces fired upon innocent PTM workers camped at the proposed site of the Pashtun Grand Jirga in Jamrud, Khyber district, resulting in the deaths of four activists and injuries to many others.

PTM representatives condemned the use of brutal force against peaceful activists advocating for Pashtun rights, asserting that such actions violate international law and the constitution of Pakistan. They also noted that the Pakistani government is misusing its anti-terrorism laws to pursue its agenda, with around 200 Pashtun and Baloch activists from PTM and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) listed as terrorists under the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act.

The letter revealed alarming reports of three assassination attempts against PTM leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen within two weeks, allegedly ordered by Pakistan's military intelligence. Pashteen was warned by a reliable source within the security services that the military had allegedly contacted the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through the Haqqani Network to eliminate him before the planned October 11 Grand Jirga.

Several PTM leaders and supporters, including Gilaman Wazir, Arman Loni, Sardar Arif Wazir, Senator Usman Kakar, and SSP Tahir Dawar, have been killed, either directly or indirectly through proxy means by Pakistani authorities.

Amnesty International has criticised the ban on PTM, stating that "the Pakistan government's ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and the use of anti-terrorism laws to target activists and peaceful protesters from minority groups is an affront to the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in the country."

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an independent watchdog, stated that this extreme decision was neither transparent nor warranted, emphasising that PTM has never resorted to violence and has always advocated within the constitutional framework.

In a press conference on October 9, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mohsin Naqvi, warned that "any political party that supports and facilitates PTM will also face consequences," including blocked national identity cards, SIM cards, and cancelled passports.

PTM representatives have urged the United Nations to address this illegal ban with the Pakistani government, asserting that it aims to suppress the freedom of expression and the right to assembly of the Pashtun ethnic minority. They warned that this ban and the subsequent crackdown on PTM activists will further hinder political activism and the right to dissent in Pakistan.

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State, Its Spy Agencies, Along With The Military, Exhibit Utter Contempt: Maharang Baloch

Quetta: Pakistan, in its attempt to suppress dissent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been orchestrating attacks and shelling, merely a day before the Pashtun National Jigra.

These events of oppression orchestrated by the Pakistani defence forces against the members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) have gathered condemnation from activists across the country. In a post on X, Baloch rights activist Maharang Baloch stated, "The state and its spy agencies, along with the military, exhibit utter contempt for the rule of law. The violent act of shooting unarmed, peaceful protestors of PTM is nothing short of terrorism--a brutal display of state-sponsored violence."

In her statement further, Maharang Baloch also condemned the acts of Pakistan in strong words, calling this barbaric cruelty. She also called on all marginalised communities in the region to stand in solidarity with the PTM during this critical time and amplify their voices.

She stated, "It is imperative that human rights organisations urgently hold the state security forces accountable for this egregious violation of human rights. I stand in solidarity with my PTM comrades. I call on all marginalised communities in the region to stand in solidarity with the PTM during this critical time and amplify their voices. It is imperative that human rights organisations urgently hold the state security forces accountable for this egregious violation of human rights."

Notably, PTM members have been witnessing atrocities at the hands of Pakistani defence forces.

In a previous incident on Wednesday, at least three people lost their lives and many others were injured when Pakistani security forces raided a peaceful gathering of PTM events in the Khyber district.

PTM members had gathered in the Jamrud Tehsil before the Pashtun National Jigra, also known as the "Awami Adalat," or People's Court, to address pressing issues such as violence, terrorism, and targeted killings rampant in the Pashtun region.

Additionally, eyewitnesses reported that security forces used tear gas and ammunition to disperse the crowd, leading to widespread chaos as protesters fled the scene. Dozens of injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown.

In a previous post, Manzoor Pashteen, the founder of PTM, had condemned the attack, stating that the Pakistani government's actions were driven by fear of Pashtun unity.

Manzoor Pashteen stated, "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police attacked the Pashtun Jirga Khyber ground, street firing. So far, there are reports of the martyrdom of three friends and dozens of injuries. In addition to Khyber, there are incidents of police firing on Jirga attendees in other districts, with one martyred and several injured as a result of firing in South Waziristan. There are also confirmed reports of firing on convoys in North Waziristan."

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Pakistani Security Forces Attack Pashtun Jirga, 3 Killed

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: At least three people lost their lives, and many others were injured when Pakistani security forces raided a peaceful gathering of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) event in Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday.

The PTM had organised a national Jirga in Jamrud Tehsil, known as the "Awami Adalat" or People's Court, to address pressing issues such as violence, terrorism, and targeted killings, reported The Balochistan Post.

Eyewitnesses reported that security forces used tear gas and ammunition to disperse the crowd, leading to widespread chaos as protesters fled the scene. Dozens of injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown.

Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of PTM, condemned the attack, stating that the Pakistani government's actions were driven by fear of Pashtun unity.

Pashteen also posted on X, "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police attacked the Pashtun Jirga Khyber ground, street firing. So far, there are reports of the martyrdom of three friends and dozens of injuries. In addition to Khyber, there are incidents of police firing on jirga attendees in other districts, with one martyred and several injured as a result of firing in South Waziristan. There are also confirmed reports of firing on convoys in North Waziristan."

The PTM has called for a national Jirga gathering on October 11, 2024, in the Khyber district to discuss ongoing violence, terrorism, and targeted killings, seeking solutions to these pressing issues. The state of Pakistan has resorted to brutality out of fear of Pashtun unity in their pursuit of peace.

Pashteen emphasised that despite blocked roads, people continued to gather, and the army and police launched a late-night attack, intending to shed blood

He further stated, "Roads have been blocked in various districts of Pashtun Watan, but still, people are moving ahead by crossing the barriers. Late at night, the army and police attacked the ground. From that moment, their intention was bloodshed, but we vacated the ground for peace. Martyred and wounded friends."

Established in 2018, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is a grassroots initiative advocating for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan. Led by Manzoor Pashteen, PTM emerged in response to human rights violations faced by Pashtuns, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the threat posed by landmines in their regions.

He also questioned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government about their role in this, stating, "In order to stop this oppression in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government even given a notice to the police to stop this cruelty? No, not at all, because everyone is playing their role according to the script to fulfil the desire of the Pashtuns to shed their blood. General Asim Munir, Shahbaz Sharif, and Mohsin Naqvi, by shedding the blood of innocent Pashtuns in Pakhtunkhwa today, have some chills reached your kidneys, or will there be more bloodshed of Pashtuns?"

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'Encroachment To Democratic Principles': Baloch Activist Slams Pak Ban On Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

Islamabad: Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch expressed concern on Pakistan government's decision to ban the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and dubbed it as "severe encroachment to democratic principles."

In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch stressed that this action is indicative by the state of Pakistan to suppress peaceful political movements and dissenting voices through repressive measures.

"The decision to declare the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) a banned organization represents a severe encroachment on democratic principles and an alarming escalation of state authoritarianism," she said.

"This action is indicative of the ongoing trend by the state of Pakistan to suppress peaceful political movements and dissenting voices through repressive measures. PTM, a peaceful political organization advocating for the fundamental human rights of the Pashtun community, has faced relentless state opposition. Despite state oppression, the movement has remained steadfast in its commitment to peaceful activism," Mahrang Baloch added.

Mahrang Baloch urged all political and human rights organizations "to unite in solidarity" with PTM.

"The decision to outlaw PTM is a concerning step that undermines the values of political pluralism and human rights. In response, all political and human rights organizations must unite in solidarity with PTM and work collectively to challenge this unjust and repressive decision," she said.

On Saturday, in her post on X, she condemned the "use of force and violence" by Pakistan's armed forces against the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM).

"I strongly condemn the use of force and violence by security forces against the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in an attempt to stop the Pashtun National Jirga," Baloch said on X.

She further noted that the violence against PTM political activists and the assassination attempt on Manzoor Pashteen are efforts to silence the voice of the Pashtun people. The use of force against Pashtun political activists should be immediately halted.

The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) has called for a national Jirga gathering on October 11, 2024, in the Khyber district to discuss ongoing violence, terrorism, and targeted killings, seeking solutions to these pressing issues. The state of Pakistan has resorted to brutality out of fear of Pashtun unity in their pursuit of peace.

Established in 2018, the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement is a grassroots initiative advocating for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan. Led by Manzoor Pashteen, PTM emerged in response to human rights violations faced by Pashtuns, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the threat posed by landmines in their regions.

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Pak Intensifies Crackdown To Suppress Pashtun Rights

Supreme leader of Pashtun Tahafuz Freedom Movement (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen

As the Pashtun National Court approaches, the world’s attention must be focused on the struggle for Pashtun rights and dignity.

As the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) prepares for the historic Pashtun National Jirga (Court) scheduled for 11 October 2024, the Pakistani state has unleashed a brutal and systematic crackdown to obstruct this peaceful assembly. The state’s repression, led by intelligence agencies and security forces, has escalated in recent weeks, with repeated attempts to sabotage the gathering through violence, intimidation, and illegal arrests.

The Pashtun National Court, organized by the PTM, is set to address long-standing grievances of the Pashtun people, including extrajudicial killings, land grabs by the Pakistani establishment, and the destabilizing impact of state-sponsored terrorism and proxy wars. However, the Pakistani state views this Jirga as a direct threat to its interests, which include maintaining control over Pashtun lands and natural resources and using Pashtun areas as a battleground for proxy conflicts.

In recent days, the Pakistani police and security agencies have attacked the Jirga site on four separate occasions, with the aim of disrupting preparations and terrorizing PTM volunteers. Tents were burned, facilities were stolen, and unarmed volunteers were fired upon three times during the night. These attacks have left many injured, but the volunteers remain steadfast in their determination to bring the Pashtun National Court to fruition.

This violent intimidation is part of a broader pattern of state repression against the Pashtun people. In Mirali, Waziristan, the Pakistani state burned a market full of livestock in a similarly ruthless operation. These actions are designed to instill fear and undermine the PTM’s efforts to address the root causes of violence in Pashtun territories.

Through the Pashtun National Court, the Pashtuns are seeking the right to self-determination and control over their natural resources, which are currently monopolized by the Punjabi-dominated state apparatus. The Jirga represents a significant challenge to Pakistan’s establishment, which has long sought to use Pashtun lands as a staging ground for proxy wars that benefit its geopolitical interests, particularly through the funding of state-sponsored terrorism and destabilizing activities in Afghanistan.

The Pashtun National Court aims to put an end to these proxy wars and demand accountability for the violence and human rights abuses inflicted on Pashtuns for decades. Historically, Pashtun communities have resolved political and social issues through Jirgas, a deeply respected tradition that the state now seeks to destroy through violence and coercion.

The Pakistani establishment’s aggressive stance against the Pashtun National Court reflects its fear of Pashtun unity. For the first time in years, Pashtun elders and leaders from across the region—from Swat to Chaman—are coming together in an unprecedented display of solidarity. The state, unwilling to tolerate any movement that threatens its control, has launched a full-scale campaign to prevent the gathering.

Repeated attempts to sabotage the Jirga have included arrests of PTM leaders and members, the raiding of their homes, and the imposition of restrictions on freedom of movement. By targeting the PTM’s leadership, including Manzoor Pashteen, the state aims to crush the movement before it can gain further momentum.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this crackdown is the threat to the life of Manzoor Pashteen, the PTM leader who has become the face of the movement. Pakistani intelligence agencies, including the ISI, have repeatedly attempted to arrest and kill Pashteen in a bid to silence his calls for justice. Pashteen, who has steadfastly advocated for non-violence and peaceful assembly, is now facing serious threats to his life from the very state that should be protecting its citizens.

Reliable sources have confirmed that Pakistani forces have explicitly warned Pashteen that if he continues his advocacy, he will be eliminated. This is part of a broader strategy to stifle dissent within the Pashtun community and to prevent the Pashtun National Court from addressing the deep-seated grievances of the Pashtun people.

In a powerful and emotional speech, Manzoor Pashteen called out the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police for their role in suppressing the Pashtun people. He reminded them of how Pashtuns have historically stood by the police during difficult times, but now, when Pashtuns demand their rights, the police stand with the oppressors. He questioned the police’s loyalty to their own people, urging them to reflect on their actions.

Pashteen’s speech was particularly poignant when he addressed the firing on unarmed civilians gathered to discuss peace. He condemned the police for burning a tent meant to welcome families of martyrs and for dishonoring the Pashtun tradition of the Jirga.“You didn’t just burn a tent—you burned the very symbol of Pashtun identity,” he declared, highlighting the cultural and emotional significance of the gathering.

Pashteen warned that by aligning with the establishment, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have betrayed their own people. He pointed out that the state’s oppressive actions—burning homes, mosques, and markets, killing over 80,000 Pashtuns, and displacing hundreds of thousands—will not be forgotten. Despite the violence, Pashteen affirmed that the Pashtun National Court will continue, and the Jirga will be held, but the stain of betrayal will forever mark the police’s role in these actions.

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement has issued urgent appeals to the international community to take notice of the escalating violence against their peaceful assembly. Human rights organizations and foreign governments are being called upon to condemn the Pakistani state’s actions and hold them accountable for the violation of fundamental human rights.

Activists on the ground have reported violent assaults, the destruction of property, and the brutalization of peaceful protesters. The international community is urged to demand an end to this state-sponsored terrorism and to support the Pashtun people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

The crackdown on the PTM is seen by many as a betrayal of the Pashtun people, particularly by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has unleashed state-sponsored violence against its own citizens. Many Pashtuns, who had once supported Imran Khan and his party, now feel disillusioned by the state’s oppressive actions. Activists and political leaders alike have condemned the crackdown, calling for an end to the violence and a restoration of civil liberties.

As the Pashtun National Court approaches, the world’s attention must be focused on the struggle for Pashtun rights and dignity. The violent tactics employed by the Pakistani state are a direct threat to the human rights of millions, and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement remains at the forefront of this battle for justice. The #StopCrackdownOnPTM and #ManzoorPashteenIsOurRedLine movements are not mere hashtags—they represent the voices of an oppressed people calling for freedom, dignity, and peace.

In the face of overwhelming odds, the Pashtun National Court remains a beacon of hope for a community that has long been marginalized. The Pashtun people’s resilience in the face of state oppression is a testament to their enduring spirit. Now, more than ever, the international community must stand with them in their fight for justice.

Levsa Bayankhail, the General Secretary of the Pashtun Protection Movement in Denmark, Member of PTM EU committee on international advocacy and foreign affairs, is a writer and an advocate for human and women’s rights.

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Balochistan, Sindh Activists Protest In Front of UN Office In Geneva Against Pak Brutalities

Geneva: Human rights activists from Sindh and Balochistan provinces, as well as the members of the Baloch American Congress and local leaders of the diaspora in Switzerland, organized a protest near the United Nations office in Geneva against the brutalities inflicted by Pakistani Armed Forces in country's largest province.

Residents of the Balochistan province of Pakistan continue to witness 'state-backed brutalities' at the hands of Pakistani defence forces. The province has long demanded and protested for its independence from Pakistan and has been on the receiving end of state suppression.

Members of these organisations gathered in large numbers in front of the Broken Chair monument at Geneva holding banners and chanting slogans highlighting Pakistan's atrocities in Sindh and Balochistan.

Razzak Baloch, a member of the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC), lamented Pakistan for its continuous brutalities in Balochistan.

"According to Pakistanis, Pakistan was created by God. But when this Pakistan was created by God, Pakistan did not have Balochistan in it. Balochistan was not a part of Pakistan, in 1948, the Punjabi army (Pakistan's Punjab province) invaded Balochistan. They are looters. They want the resources of Balochistan. They want the gold of Balochistan to survive. United Nations, you see the conflict of Balochistan, you have to intervene," Baloch said in his statement

The leader while referring to the militarization of the Balochistan, Sindh and other provinces stated that the Pakistani government must revoke its armies from these areas.

"We want the Pakistani army out of Sindh. We want the Pakistani army out of Pashtunistan. We want the Pakistani army out of Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Enough is enough. When are you going to make the Pakistani barbarian army accountable? They are killing our people. They want our wealth. They want to silence us. But the Baloch is not going to be silenced. Baloch is going to resist. The land of Balochistan belongs to Balochistan. The land of Sindh belongs to Sindhis and the land of Pashtunistan belongs to Pashtuns," he added.

Razzak Baloch also referred to the problem of enforced disappearances in Balochistan and urged for the attention of United Nations into the situation.

He claimed, "Thousands of our young men are in their jails, in their dungeons, in their torture cells. And they take their eyes out and throw them in the street. When will the United Nations feel that Baloch is also a human being? Pakistan is not obeying the rules set by the United Nations. Pakistan is an outlaw army. We want the Pakistan army out of Balochistan. We want them now. You have to stop Pakistan to carry out the Balochistan operation. They are sending their tanks. They are using their gunship helicopters. They are using their death squads to silence Baloch. Baloch is not going to be silenced."

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Pashtun Activists In Geneva Highlight Pakistan's Atrocities, Call For Global Intervention

Geneva: In a major protest outside the UN office in Geneva during the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, organised by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Europe, activists highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan.

They emphasised issues such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture faced by the Pashtun community.

The activists, who shouted slogans against the Pakistan army, particularly condemned the crackdown on Pashtun Tahafuz Movemen (PTM) leaders, including Manzoor Pashteen and Ali Wazir.

During the protest, PTM Europe member Fazal ur Rehman Afridi stated, "In this protest, our main purpose is to condemn the atrocities that the Pakistani army and state are committing against the Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch, and Kashmiris. We want to protest against the ban imposed on Manzoor Pashteen and his 30 friends regarding their entry into Balochistan, as well as against the detention of Ali Wazir. Additionally, we condemn the extrajudicial killing of Gilaman Wazir."

Gilaman Wazir, a prominent Afghan Pashto poet and senior member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, was attacked in Islamabad in July, reportedly under the orders of the Pakistan government. The ban on prominent activist Manzoor Pashteen in Balochistan has also drawn significant criticism regarding Pakistan's handling of dissent and minority rights. Many argue that such bans reflect a broader strategy to suppress voices advocating for justice and accountability, particularly among marginalised communities.

Fazal also informed the international community about the upcoming Pashtun National Court or Jirga, scheduled for October 11, aimed at advocating for Pashtun rights and justice. He remarked, "In addition, we are organising a Pashtun Jirga in support of this initiative. We want to convey to the world and inform the United Nations that Pashtuns are not happy in Pakistan. In this regard, the entire Pashtun community, transcending tribal lines, will formulate a strategy, express their opinions, and inform the world about their demands."

Other activists at the protest raised their voices against Pakistan's actions, highlighting the lack of respect for human rights and the oppressive treatment of marginalised communities.

Mustafa Pashtun, another activist, expressed urgency about the difficult circumstances faced by the Pashtun community, stating, "We registered our protest here outside the UN office. We want to tell the whole world that Pashtuns are in a dire situation. We urge you to intervene and raise a voice for the rights of Pashtuns. Please help Pashtuns in the name of humanity--whether you are American, European, or Indian--we request all to please help us."

Human rights activists have long accused the Pakistani government of targeting them through military operations and ethnic stereotyping. These issues often go unreported by local media, prompting activists to seek intervention on international platforms.

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