Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has stated that the only path to liberation from "Punjabi colonialism" is freedom. His comments come in reaction to the recent announcement of military rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
In a statement, Pashteen argued that it does not matter whether Pakistan has a democracy or a dictatorship. According to him, under democracy, power lies with Punjabi politicians, and under a dictatorship, it lies with Punjabi generals. He described both classes as "enemies of Pashtuns."
“Pashtuns have tried all other paths in the last eighty years, but they have achieved no result other than humiliation,” Pashteen stated, reflecting on a long history of perceived marginalization. He emphasized that the time has come for Pashtuns to pursue the path of independence.
Pashteen further claimed that "Punjabi colonialism has always used Pashtunkhwa as a laboratory to implement its decisions." This rhetoric points to a deep-seated grievance among some Pashtuns that their region is exploited for political and strategic purposes by the central government without regard for local interests.
The PTM leader also condemned the recent arrests of peaceful protestors by the Pakistani army. These arrests followed demonstrations against the imposition of governor's rule and increased military presence in the province.
The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement has been a vocal critic of Pakistan's military establishment and state policies in Pashtun-majority areas. The movement campaigns against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations, advocating for the constitutional rights of Pashtuns.
Source: Zarin TV
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