The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) emerged in Pakistan as what initially appeared to be a genuine grassroots movement advocating for the rights and dignity of Pashtuns, particularly protesting against the fallouts from prolonged military operations in tribal regions. Its founding narrative — symbolised by the slogan 'Da Sanga Azadi Da?' i.e. What kind of freedom is this? — resonated with the deeply felt grievances of Pashtun youth and families affected by conflict.

However, a closer and critical examination of PTM's trajectory reveals how this movement has diverged significantly from its original mission and increasingly become intertwined with complex ethnic politics, foreign agendas, and narratives that undermine Pakistan's sovereignty and unity.

The PTM began by drawing attention to genuine human rights concerns and demanding accountability within Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. However, over time, under the leadership of Manzoor Pashteen, its narrative shifted toward a divisive ethnic discourse that portrays the violence and unrest in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as the "deliberate targeting of Pashtuns by a Punjabi-dominated state". This simplistic framing overlooks the reality that K-P's security challenges arise primarily from its strategic, porous border with Afghanistan — a region that has long served as a launchpad for insurgents and terrorists........

© The Express Tribune