Amnesty International has condemned the ban imposed by Pakistani authorities on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), deeming it a violation of the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in the country. The government justified the ban by citing threats to national peace and security.
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, the PTM was declared “unlawful” with claims that it posed a “significant danger” to public order and safety. Amnesty International criticized the decision as part of a larger crackdown on dissenting groups in Pakistan, with the government failing to provide concrete evidence against the PTM.
The move to ban PTM comes ahead of the Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga scheduled for October 11, leading to arrests of activists and supporters, including PTM leader Ali Wazir. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar defended the ban, accusing PTM of anti-state activities and maintaining ties with terrorist organizations.
While affirming the right to peaceful protests, Tarar emphasized the government’s stance against actions like burning the national flag and terror financing. Amnesty International called for the immediate release of all detained PTM members and urged Pakistani authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly.