Amid the ever-present fear of government crackdowns and the shadow of militancy, thousands of Pashtuns are gathered in the vast desert of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their torches flickering in the darkness, their flames illuminated the barren landscape—an area long synonymous with violence and militancy—creating an extraordinary scene of unity and defiance. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a social and political movement advocating for the rights of Pashtuns in Pakistan, has announced a grand jirga to be held on 11 October in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The jirga, an important traditional assembly, is expected to gather various Pashtun political, social, and tribal leaders from across Pakistan. The PTM claims this jirga will make significant decisions concerning the future of Pashtuns.
Since its inception, the PTM has faced a series of crackdowns by the Pakistani establishment, which has been accused of using state machinery to suppress the movement and its leaders. In a dramatic escalation, the Pakistani government recently banned the PTM outright and announced a prohibition on public gatherings in KPK for the next month. This move has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.
Amnesty International called on the Pakistani authorities to revoke the ban immediately. In a statement, the organization noted that “the Pakistan government’s ban on PTM 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.”
PTM has consistently emphasized its commitment to non-violence and peaceful advocacy since its formation. In preparation for the upcoming grand jirga, PTM has taken significant precautions to ensure the gathering remains peaceful. The event is planned to be held in a large, non-residential area, with participants attending unarmed and empty-handed. PTM leaders have repeatedly declared that their movement is made up of peaceful protesters, and the precautions reflect their dedication to non-violence.
Even in the face of crackdowns, raids, and harassment by the police and army, PTM supporters have remained non-violent. Accounts from these raids reveal that activists were beaten and threatened, yet offered no resistance and did not retaliate—even verbally. This unwavering adherence to peaceful principles, despite severe suppression, highlights the movement’s determination to achieve its goals through non-violent means.
This further underscores the disproportionate response of the state and adds to the growing criticism from human rights groups, which see the crackdown as an infringement on fundamental rights. The PTM’s peaceful stance and the violent repression they face make the upcoming jirga a critical moment, not just for the Pashtun cause, but for the broader struggle for civil rights and non-violent resistance in the region.
The New Wave of the Crackdown
The government’s notification banning gatherings in KPK reveals several key points:
- Fear of the Jirga’s Outcomes: The Pakistani establishment and central government appear to fear the potential outcomes of the jirga, which could unify Pashtun voices against state policies.
- Security Concerns: The language used in the ban suggests the army is warning that militant groups, which some argue operate as proxies of the military, might target the jirga.
- Pretext for Arrests: The ban provides a pretext for detaining PTM leaders and activists, using legal frameworks to silence dissent.
- Deterrence of Participation: By imposing the ban, the establishment seeks to dissuade people from attending the jirga, while signaling to pro-government Pashtun politicians to avoid participation.
- Pre-Empting the Jirga’s Decisions: The ban sets the stage for the government to reject or undermine any outcomes from the gathering, which they may see as a threat to their interests.
PTM’s Firm Stance
Despite these challenges, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen has remained resolute in his decision to proceed with the jirga. His determination is likely driven by several factors:
- A Last Resort for Pashtuns: Pashteen and the PTM argue that Pashtuns, having faced decades of marginalization and violence, see the jirga as a final opportunity to advocate for their basic human rights. Without such action, the movement believes that Pashtuns will continue to be divided and disenfranchised.
- Optimism for Change: Many within Pashtun society, including youth activists, are optimistic about the potential outcomes of the jirga. For instance, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) recently declared a ceasefire, signaling that even militant groups recognize the importance of this gathering and its potential to promote unity and peace for Pashtuns as a nation.
- Shift Away from Militancy: The PTM believes that the decades-long oppression of Pashtuns, marked by violence and extremism, may be coming to an end. The Pakistani establishment’s long-term strategy of using madrassas to produce militants like the Taliban has devastated Pashtun communities. Now, there is growing discontent with the continued use of militant proxies and tactics such as suicide bombings, which have primarily harmed Pashtuns.
A Hope for Unity and Future
The upcoming jirga is seen as a beacon of hope, with the potential to bring Pashtuns together for the first time in years. Should this unity be achieved, it could pave the way for Pashtuns across Pakistan and Afghanistan to collectively demand their rights and chart a better future, free from the cycles of violence, extremism, and deprivation that have plagued the region for generations.
While there are still unresolved issues like the status of the Durand Line and questions of greater autonomy or independence, the jirga could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Pashtun history—one that prioritizes education, peace, and prosperity for future generations.
As the date of the jirga approaches, all eyes will be on KPK to see whether this pivotal event will indeed signal a turning point for Pashtuns in Pakistan. The torches the participants carry, lighting up the desert night, are not just symbols of protest—they represent the hope and resilience of a generation that refuses to be silenced. In a place where such gatherings once seemed impossible, the scene now tells a powerful story of change, as the Pashtuns seek to reclaim their rights and chart a path towards a more peaceful tomorrow.
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