Tag: PTM

  • ‘Block his passport’; Manzoor Pashteen cracks joke after meeting CM Gandapur

    ‘Block his passport’; Manzoor Pashteen cracks joke after meeting CM Gandapur

    Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), sarcastically asked the federal government to block Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s passport and CNIC after he met with Pashteen yesterday.

    A reporter asked Pashteen about the recent decision by the federal government to ban the PTM, to which he replied: “They [federal govt] said that whoever meets with us, their passports and CNICs will be blocked. So I ask the federal government to implement their order starting with the Chief Minister.”

    Gandapur laughed, saying, “They’ve stolen my wallet, and my CNIC was in that, so add that to the list of stolen items.”

    Pashteen retorted, “That’s what I was saying, that we are collecting the data of those who have been wronged, we will add your name to the list as well.”

    On October 6, the federal government issued a notification declaring the PTM as a ‘proscribed organisation’, warning that it posed a threat to peace and security in the country.

  • KP govt prohibits officials from participating in Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga

    KP govt prohibits officials from participating in Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Tuesday prohibited its officials and employees from participating in the three-day Pahstoon Qaumi Jirga hosted by the Pahtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) on October 11.

    On Sunday, citing security threats and national peace, the federal government declared the PTM a “proscribed organisation” and imposed a ban on it under section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATC).

    Chief Secretary KP Today issued a notification which noted: “Employees of all government departments/attached departments/police/autonomous and semi-autonomous public sector institutions and their employees are informed, and stand informed, that participation, overt or covert, physically, financially or otherwise in any programme or activity of a proscribed organisation is unlawful and shall be acted against under the law.”

    The notification further added, “General public, including all segments of society are informed, and stand informed, that participation, overt or covert, physically, financially or otherwise in any programme or activity of a proscribed organisation is unlawful and will make them liable to lawful action.”

    Meanwhile, Khyber Deputy Commissioner (DC) Captain (retd) Sanaullah Khan issued an order enforcing Section 144 in the district for a period of 30 days, effective from October 9 to November 7.

  • Pakistan govt ‘pleased’ to ban Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

    Pakistan govt ‘pleased’ to ban Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

    The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has been banned by the Federal Government and declared as a  ‘proscribed organisation’.

    According to a Notification issued by the Interior Ministry, citing section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 it stated that PTM is a threat to peace and security in the country, and the federal government is putting it in the first schedule.

    The notification read: “Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) is engaged in certain activities which are prejudicial to the peace and security of the country.”

    Human rights activist Manzoor Pashteen launched PTM to address the grievances of Pashtuns, who are the second largest group in Pakistan and mostly live in the northwestern part of the country.

    In Baluchistan, Pashtun are also the next largest group after the Baluch people.

  • Afghan miscreants vandalise Pakistan consulate in Germany; Foreign Office demands action

    Afghan miscreants vandalise Pakistan consulate in Germany; Foreign Office demands action

    After videos emerged of several individuals, allegedly Afghan nationals, vandalising the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt, Islamabad urged Germany to take immediate measures to investigate the security lapse and hold those responsible for it accountable to the law.

    The incident happened on July 20, when a “gang of extremists” atta­cked the consulate and “endangered” the lives of the consular staff on the premises, says the statement from the Pakistani mission.

    In one of the viral videos, it can be seen that protesters carrying placards gathered outside the consulate.

    The videos show three men — one of whom is seen clutching an Afghan flag — climbing a flagpole to remove the Pakistani flag.

    However, some reports also indicated the protesters pelted the consulate building with stones.

    Protest outside consulate

    German media outlet DW reported that Saturday’s demonstration was arranged to “highlight complaints against Pakistan’s military and intelligence services, which organisers accused of killing critics and political opponents”.

    DW quoted police as saying that about 400 people carrying Afghanistan flags took part in the demonstration outside the consulate.

    Netizens on X also speculated that the people who vandalised the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt belonged to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement headed by Manzoor Pashteen.

    However, Manzoor posted an official denial on X condemning the violence in Frankfurt. “Local authorities should take action against the perpetrator. Trained people are doing such acts on planning to create negative propaganda against people’s protests,” he asserted.

    Pakistan’s reaction

    The Foreign Office in Pakistan called out the German authorities for failing to protect the “sanctity and security of the premises of its consular mission” under the Vienna Con­ven­tions on Consular Rela­tions, 1963.

    “We are in contact with the German authorities to ensure such a situation doesn’t arise again and the miscreants face legal consequences,” the Pakistani embassy in Germany posted on its official X handle.

    Information Minister Atta Tarar, in a press conference, revealed that NADRA is asked to analyse the footage of the incident in Frankfurt to ascertain whether any Pakistanis were involved.

    Though the Foreign Office did not point to the nationality of the miscreants, some of them were draped in the tri-colour Afghanistan flag. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, however, lashed out at the Afghan nationals, saying Islamabad needed to rethink its hospitality towards Afghan citizens in the wake of this incident.

    “There’s a limit to hospitality. They swore at us; they swore at Pakistan. They talk against the integrity of Pakistan. They carry out proper rallies [against Pakistan]. They burn our flags,” he told Geo News, claiming that Pakistan fought wars for Kabul. “I think Pakistan needs to rethink their hospitality,” he said.

    Pakistan hosts over three million Afghan refugees and recently launched a deportation drive to expel those who were residing in the country without documents.

    Earlier this month, the government extended the stay of registered Afghan refugees by one year.

  • “Taliban have taken over my constituency,” says Mohsin Dawar

    “Taliban have taken over my constituency,” says Mohsin Dawar

    Former Member National Assembly and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement leader Mohsin Dawar has shared via a tweet on X that “Taliban have taken over polling stations in Tappi, N. Waziristan in my constituency NA-40”.

    He went on to share that “three of our female polling agents escaped a blast in the morning. I had conveyed my concerns about the security situation in Tappi to the DRO which were ignored. ECP has to take notice.”

    NA-40 same constituency where women are being barred from voting. Journalist Iftikhar Firdous also posted that an unidentified man has been recorded, taking away an entire ballot box. Voting as resumed but women are not being allowed to vote.

  • DC Peshawar issues detention orders of 11 PTM activists

    DC Peshawar issues detention orders of 11 PTM activists

    The district administration of Peshawar has issued orders to detain 11 activists of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), on allegations of provoking the public against the government’s policies and the armed forces of the country.

    According to the detention order, SSP operations wrote a letter to the deputy commissioner stating that the Gulberg police station SHO provided a list of the PTM activists who provoked the public against the Pakistan Army and other institutions of Pakistan.

    The latter, issued by the SSP operations, informed the district administration that the individuals on the list pose a risk to the stability and peace of the country. They violated the writ of the government and the law and order situation in the area. 

    “The activities of the said individuals are against the law, and there is apprehension that they may continue their activities in the future,” the detention orders issued by the deputy commissioner said, adding that the administration considered the activities prejudicial to public safety and might create a law and order situation in the district.

  • The court bars Imaan Mazari arrest in any FIR registered after August 20

    The court bars Imaan Mazari arrest in any FIR registered after August 20

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered not to arrest human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari in any First Information Report (FIR) registered after August 20.

    Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC heard the case in which Shireen Mazari, former federal minister and the mother of Imaan Mazari, submitted a request on her daughter’s behalf through her lawyers, Zainab Janjua, Salman Akram Raja and Qaisar Imam.

    The Interior Secretary is to submit a report to the court detailing the number of cases that have been filed against Imaan Mazari in the country.

    Earlier, On Sunday, August 20, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir were arrested for attending the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) protest in Islamabad.

  • Bara Kahu police rearrest Imaan Mazari outside Adiala Jail

    Bara Kahu police rearrest Imaan Mazari outside Adiala Jail

    Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari has been arrested by the Bara Kahu police Islamabad outside Adiala Jail after getting bail from ATC this morning. According to her lawyer, no new FIR or arrest warrant has been shared with them.

    On Monday morning, an Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has granted bail to human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir in a sedition case related to controversial speeches allegedly made against state institutions at PTM’s public rally.

    The two were arrested on August 20 and sent on physical remand after they were accused of delivering a controversial speech.
    ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the plea and approved post-arrest bail of Imaan and Wazir against surety bonds of Rs30,000 each.

    On August 19, two first information reports (FIR) were registered against Imaan and Wazir at the Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department police station.
    Both were booked on the charges of sedition, preventing government officials from carrying out their duties and damaging public property.

    The cases so far

    Two first information reports (FIR) have been registered against Wazir and Imaan.

    The first FIR was registered on the complaint of Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Mian Mohammad Imran who was present at Tarnol Phatak chowk to ensure peace during a rally led by PTM. According to the complainant, the rallly devaited from the allocated area violating no-objection certificate

    The FIR was filed under Sections 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 395 (punishment for dacoity), 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) and 506ii (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    The SHO has claimed that the participants, numbering about 700-800, were armed with sticks and attacked the police, official vehicles, and shut down shops when asked to restore access to GT road that they had blocked.

    The second FIR was registered under the complaint of Inspector Mohammad Ashraf who was present when about 950 PTM supporters blocked GT road. He said that people including Manzoor Pashteen and Iman Mazari spoke against the state, inciting hatred and revolt. The second FIR was registered under PPC Sections 124A (sedition), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) among others.

  • Anti-terrorism court grants 3-day physicial remand of Imaan Mazari and Ali Wazir

    Lawyer and activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Ali Wazir were produced before Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain on Monday. Imaan’s legal team argued that “Police have not yet found anything,” and that “officials had also not investigated anything related to Imaan”.

    It was also mentioned that Imaan fainted at the police station and was unable to meet her mother. “Imaan Mazari wants accountability of institutions for which she is being called a terrorist,”

    Similarly, Ali Wazir affirmed that “nothing wrong” has been done and that they had insisted the interim government let them gather in islamabad. “We wanted our voices to be heard in Islamabad”, added Wazir.

    The court reversed its verdict and granted a three-day physical remand of the two.

    On Sunday, 20 August, human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir were arrested by “unidentified persons”. While the reasons for the arrests have not been given by the police, Islamabad Capital Police stated, “No one is authorised to give a statement from a police station.”

    Imaan Mazari’s mother, Shireen Mazari, said while talking to the media that Imaan was dragged out and taken away. The policewomen also dragged Shireen Mazari herself but the officials let her go since they were only there to arrest Imaan Mazari.

    About twenty men made their way to Imaan’s bedroom and confiscated her laptop and phone. They did not let her change her clothes either and dragged her out where another 20 officials were standing outside. No men, however, wore police uniforms.

    The cases so far

    On Friday, 18 August, approximately 300 people attended the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement protest in Islamabad. The speakers included Ali Wazir and Imaan Mazari. The focus of the speeches was condemnation of discrimination against the Pashtuns and called for the return of missing persons.

    Imaan Mazari and Ali Wazir were presented before district and sessions court where Judicial Magistrate Ihtasham Alam Khan heard two of their cases on Sunday.

    In the first, terrorism case, the investigating officer (IO) requested for a 10-day physical remand. The judge, however, has ordered for the two to be presented in an anti-terrorism court. Imaan was to be kept in a women police station till Monday.

    In the other case, the IO requested a five-day physical remand for Mazari and Wazir but the judge said the court could not grant Imaan’s physical remand.

    She has been sent on 14-day judicial remand with orders to be produced on September 2 whereas Wazir has been granted two-day physical remand after pre and post-medical examination.

    Two first information reports (FIR) have been registered against Wazir and Imaan.

    The first FIR was registered on the complaint of Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Miam Mohammad Imran who was present at Tarnol Phatak chowk to ensure peace during a rally led by Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). According to the complainant, the rallly devaited from the allocated area violating no-objection certificate

    The SHO has claimed that the participants of about 700-800 were armed with sticks who attacked the police, official vehicles, and shut down shops when asked to restore access to GT road that they had blocked.

    The second FIR was registered under the complaint of Inspector Mohammad Ashraf who was present when about 950 PTM supporters blocked GT road. He said that people including Manzoor Pashteen and Iman Mazari spoke against the state, inciting hatred and revolt.

    A PTM spokesperson told AFP that many more members have also been detained since Friday protests.

  • Member National Assembly Ali Wazir finally released from prison after more than two years

    Member National Assembly Ali Wazir finally released from prison after more than two years

    Member of National Assembly (MNA) and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir has been released from Central Jail Karachi today (Tuesday) after more than two years behind bars.

    Wazir was transferred to Central Jail Karachi on 31 December 2020 on sedition charges for delivering hate speeches.

    In November, Peshawar High Court’s Bannu Bench granted bail to Wazir in one sedition case.

    Earlier, Wazir also claimed that his life was in danger. He was admitted to Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate and Medical Centre, where he claimed that he was attacked twice.