Amnesty International on Tuesday called on Pakistani authorities to revoke the ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), describing it as “an affront to the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.”
The federal government imposed the ban on Sunday, citing threats to national peace and security. The PTM was declared an “unlawful” organization under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997. According to the interior ministry’s notification, the movement poses a “significant danger” to public order and safety.
Amnesty International criticized the timing of the ban, which comes just days before the PTM’s planned Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga on October 11. The rights group stated that the move is part of a broader pattern of repression against peaceful protests and dissenting voices in the country.
“The listing of the PTM as a proscribed organization, just ahead of their gathering, is a clear indication of the Pakistani authorities’ continued crackdown on peaceful assemblies,” the organization said in its statement.
The Anti-Terrorism Act grants wide-ranging powers to the Pakistani government to label organizations as proscribed based on credible information. However, Amnesty International noted that the government has not provided any substantive evidence to support the ban on PTM. Furthermore, the decision was made without a hearing or representation, a practice permitted under the ATA.
In the days leading up to the ban, Amnesty highlighted that authorities used teargas and firearms to break up a peaceful protest camp in Jamrud, Khyber district, on October 1 and 2. Nearly 100 PTM activists have reportedly been arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance since then. The MPO allows for preventive detention for up to three years for any speech deemed to cause public alarm.
Amnesty also reported the arrest of 16 students from the University of Malakand on October 4, who were preparing to join the PTM gathering. They were charged with obstructing a public official, criminal conspiracy, and breach of peace under Pakistan’s Penal Code.
PTM leader Ali Wazir remains in detention after being re-arrested outside the jail in early August, despite a court ruling declaring his previous detention illegal. Amnesty has called for the immediate release of Wazir and other PTM members.
In response, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, defended the ban, stating that PTM was involved in anti-state activities, including burning national flags, attacking foreign missions, and receiving foreign funding. He also alleged that the PTM maintained links with terrorist organizations such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“No party will be allowed to promote an anti-Pakistan agenda,” Tarar said, emphasizing that while peaceful protests and constructive criticism are permitted, acts of violence and terror financing will not be tolerated.
He urged “misguided elements” to return to the national mainstream and contribute to Pakistan’s progress.
The PTM has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Pashtun communities, often criticizing Pakistan’s military operations in the tribal regions. The movement’s leaders have long accused the government of targeting them for their activism.
