THE Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has, in recent years, emerged as a controversial and divisive force within Pakistan, particularly in its border regions. While the movement initially garnered attention by raising concerns about the rights of Pashtuns, it increasingly came under scrutiny for aligning with external anti-Pakistan interests. PTM’s activities and rhetoric, coupled with its connections to foreign actors, suggest that its primary objective is not to address legitimate grievances but to foster division, create instability and undermine the integrity of Pakistan.
The most troubling aspect of PTM’s rise is its apparent alignment with foreign actors, particularly those with anti-Pakistan agenda. Afghan nationals, with pronounced pro-India leanings, played an instrumental role in promoting PTM propaganda. This alignment raises concerns about authenticity of PTM’s mission and whether its agenda is driven more by external interests than by a genuine desire to improve the lives of Pashtuns.
Indian media outlets provided a significant platform to PTM narratives, amplifying movement’s anti-Pakistan rhetoric. These media platforms, notorious for their anti-Pakistan slant, often promote voices that seek to destabilize Pakistan’s internal coherence. The link between PTM’s leaders and known terrorist entities creates a disturbing picture. Their objectives, whether explicit or implicit, appear to converge on one point: destabilizing Pakistan. By aligning itself with foreign actors and allowing its message to be co-opted by hostile interests, the PTM has strayed far from its original claims of peaceful advocacy for Pashtun rights. One of PTM’s most insidious tactics has been its manipulation of traditional Pashtun customs, such as Jirgas, to incite dissent against the Pakistani state. Historically, Jirgas have been an integral part of Pashtun culture, serving as forums for resolving disputes and maintaining social order within the community. However, PTM distorted these tribal traditions, using them as a tool to undermine the state rather than fostering dialogue and resolution.
A particularly egregious aspect of PTM’s narrative is its false claim that the war on terror was imposed on Pashtuns by the state. This narrative ignores the historical context of the region and the long-standing security challenges that plagued Pakistan’s border areas. For decades, these regions have been targeted by terrorist groups, including the TTP, which have wrought destruction and violence upon the local population. The state’s efforts to combat these terrorists, including military operations and counterterrorism initiatives, aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the security of all Pakistanis, including Pashtuns.
PTM has also been accused of exploiting the Pashtun population by spreading fabricated news and false images to further its agenda. Through social media and foreign media channels, the movement manipulated facts to portray the state and its security forces in a negative light. Despite PTM’s divisive actions, Pakistani state and its security forces remained committed to ensuring peace, development and eradication of terrorism in tribal areas. The government invested in development projects, infrastructure and educational initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the local population. Security forces made significant sacrifices in combating terrorism, ensuring that the region is safer and more stable than it was a decade ago.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
