In a decisive move following the federal government’s designation of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) as a proscribed organization, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has pledged to enforce the ban on the group’s activities rigorously.
This commitment was reinforced shortly after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a stern warning, asserting that anyone facilitating the banned group would face severe consequences.
Barrister Saif, spokesperson and information advisor to the KP Chief Minister, announced in a video statement that the federal government had officially prohibited the PTM under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
He emphasized that the organization engages in actions deemed hostile to the state and the constitution, making it impermissible for them to conduct political gatherings or rallies within the province.
In light of a planned gathering by the PTM in Khyber district, authorities imposed Section 144 to avert unlawful assemblies. Despite this prohibition, the PTM attempted to hold a public event, resulting in clashes between law enforcement and the group’s supporters, leading to some disturbances.
In response to these tensions, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur convened a meeting with district elected officials, urging them to communicate with tribal elders and other stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution.
Barrister Saif reiterated that the provincial government is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents.
The federal government’s ban, imposed on October 6, cited the PTM’s activities as detrimental to national peace and security. The Ministry of Interior’s notification stated that there were valid reasons to believe the PTM was involved in actions harmful to the country, thus placing it on the list of proscribed organizations under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.
