Islamabad – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has firmly announced that the government will not permit the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to establish a parallel court system under the pretense of a jirga (tribal council).
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Naqvi clarified that while the government recognizes the historical and cultural significance of jirgas, the format proposed by the PTM is inappropriate. “A jirga involves the tribal elders; bringing in thousands of people does not constitute a jirga; it’s something else entirely,” Naqvi said.
He emphasized that the PTM’s efforts to present their gatherings as both a jirga and a court would not be tolerated. “This is the decision of our government: we will not permit any parallel court under any circumstances,” he declared.
The PTM has been subject to restrictions due to its alleged actions, including verbal attacks on state institutions and the promotion of ethnic discrimination. According to Naqvi, these actions are divisive and detrimental to national unity. He urged the PTM to continue advocating for their community’s rights but condemned the use of inflammatory language. “It is not acceptable to incite the public against the government,” he asserted.
Naqvi also revealed that leaders from prominent political parties had initially met with PTM representatives to discuss their grievances. However, these talks were not followed up, and the government remains resolute in not allowing any form of violent or divisive rhetoric to be part of the conversation.
The interior minister’s statements highlight the government’s stance on maintaining law and order while preserving traditional tribal systems within the bounds of the law.
