The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has officially banned public employees from attending rallies or events organized by the outlawed Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), as announced in a notification issued on Tuesday.
This directive was distributed to all provincial departments, clearly warning civil servants against any involvement with proscribed organizations. Participation can take various forms, including physical presence, financial support, or covert involvement, and those who violate this ban may face legal consequences.
In a related move, the federal government has placed PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and 44 others on the Fourth Schedule under Section 11EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, further tightening restrictions on the group and its activities.
Barrister Saif, the provincial information adviser, emphasized the government’s dedication to upholding the Constitution and legal frameworks. He reiterated that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa would rigorously enforce all regulations regarding banned organizations.
During his statements, Barrister Saif criticized federal representatives for their silence on the matter, questioning why prominent government officials had not addressed PTM’s outlawed status. He also took aim at opposition figures, including Ahmed Kundi of the Pakistan People’s Party, accusing them of politicizing the issue for their own benefit.
Saif defended the government’s position, highlighting its support for the military’s counter-terrorism efforts and denouncing attempts to exploit sensitive topics for political gain.
This ban on public employees reflects the government’s broader strategy to contain the PTM and reinforce its stance against groups deemed a threat to national security.
As tensions continue to rise, the government’s actions signal a commitment to maintaining order and adherence to laws concerning proscribed organizations.
