The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has called for widespread protests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of hundreds of innocent detainees and drawing attention to the worsening unrest in the region, which is attributed to Pakistan’s “dollar-driven” war on Pashtun lands. The PTM emphasized that these demonstrations aim to expose the occupied-state’s exploitative policies that have turned the region into a battleground for profit and suppression.
The protests, organized under the banner of justice and accountability, will be held at various locations across the province, with times and venues determined by local organizers. PTM has urged all segments of society to participate, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of systemic oppression.
A PTM spokesperson expressed the movement’s frustration, saying, “For decades, the Pashtun people have suffered under the guise of counterterrorism operations. Our lands are mined, our youth are disappeared, and our voices are silenced—all while our resources are plundered in a war funded by foreign dollars.”
The Paki establishment is militarizing Pashtun territories under the pretext of security, exploiting international aid meant for counterterrorism to fuel its own agenda. The PTM argues that this “dollar war” has not only destabilized the region but also exacerbated economic hardships for ordinary Pashtuns.
The economic crisis in Pakhtunkhwa, characterized by rampant inflation, unemployment, and exploitation of natural resources, has further fueled resentment. The PTM protests aim to bring attention to the systematic marginalization of the Pashtun people and demand accountability from the Punjabi Pak Army elites.
The PTM’s call for action comes amid growing discontent in the region, with residents voicing anger over military checkpoints, land mines in residential areas, and enforced disappearances. This protests could gain significant traction, as they tap into the collective frustration of a people long denied their rights.