The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement: A Voice for Justice Amidst Enduring Challenges

Introduction: A Movement Born from Injustice

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has emerged as one of the most prominent grassroots movements in Pakistan’s recent history. Focused on advocating for the human rights of the Pashtun community, PTM was launched in 2018 following the extrajudicial killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, a young man from South Waziristan. The movement has since evolved into a broader call for dignity, justice, and accountability in regions long marred by conflict, displacement, and neglect.

Historical Context: Marginalised by Design

The roots of Pashtun grievances extend far beyond recent military campaigns. For decades, the tribal areas along Pakistan’s western frontier — notably the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) — remained outside the country’s regular legal and administrative structures. This separate status created a vacuum of governance, leaving communities exposed to both state overreach and militant influence, without meaningful recourse to justice.

The War on Terror and Its Impact

In the post-9/11 era, the Pashtun belt became the epicentre of Pakistan’s counter-terror operations. These military campaigns, although aimed at eliminating militancy, led to widespread destruction. Villages were razed, and hundreds of thousands were displaced. The war's collateral damage deeply affected innocent civilians who were often caught between state forces and militant groups, further eroding their trust in national institutions.

A Displaced People, Uprooted and Forgotten

The mass displacements resulting from military operations created a humanitarian crisis. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Waziristan, Bajaur, Khyber, and other regions spent years in refugee camps or with extended families in unfamiliar cities. Many returned only to find their homes destroyed and land mined, with little or no government support to rebuild their lives.

A Region Under Siege

Beyond displacement, Pashtun regions are frequently subjected to harsh security measures. Military checkpoints, curfews, arbitrary detentions, and constant surveillance have become a part of everyday life. While such measures are justified by authorities as necessary for national security, locals view them as a violation of their fundamental rights and dignity.

Civilian Casualties and a Cry for Accountability

Civilian deaths, often as a result of misdirected drone strikes, shootouts, or mistaken identity at checkpoints, have left countless families grieving. What makes these tragedies even more painful is the absence of any meaningful investigations or justice. PTM has repeatedly demanded that those responsible for these deaths be held accountable under the law.

The Minerals Beneath Their Feet

The Pashtun belt is rich in natural resources — marble, chromite, uranium, emeralds, oil, and gas. However, the people of the region have seen little to no benefit from this wealth. Instead, they allege that powerful institutions, including elements within the military, have monopolised control of these assets, exploiting them for profit without investing in the development of local communities.

Resource Exploitation and Systemic Looting

According to PTM and various civil society voices, the extractive operations in tribal regions lack transparency. There are few audits, no community consultations, and almost no reinvestment. This “looting,” as it is often described, reinforces the perception that Pashtun lands are seen only as zones of extraction — not as homes to citizens with rights and aspirations.

Between Militants and the State

The precarious position of Pashtuns is further complicated by the continued presence of militant remnants. Despite military operations, many groups remain active, leading to sporadic violence. Locals often find themselves accused by both militants and the state — suspected of being collaborators by the former and sympathisers by the latter. This leaves little room for neutrality, let alone safety.

PTM’s Emergence: A Movement Rooted in Resistance

Against this backdrop of decades-long neglect, systemic violence, and economic exploitation, PTM’s emergence marked a watershed moment. Led by figures such as Manzoor Pashteen, Mohsin Dawar, and Ali Wazir, the movement began by demanding justice for Naqeebullah Mehsud but quickly grew into a platform addressing collective Pashtun grievances across the tribal belt and beyond.

The Core Demands of PTM

PTM’s agenda is simple yet profound. It includes: an end to extrajudicial killings; the recovery and trial of missing persons; de-mining of war-affected areas; fair compensation for damaged property; removal of arbitrary checkpoints; equitable sharing of resource profits; and the preservation of Pashtun language, culture, and identity. At its heart, the movement seeks dignity and equality under the law.

Peace Through Accountability

PTM insists that sustainable peace is impossible without accountability. The movement calls for a truth and reconciliation commission to address the historical injustices — from drone strikes to forced displacements — that have traumatised generations. Such a commission would allow victims to be heard, and the state to reflect and reform.

Repression and Pushback

Despite its non-violent nature, PTM has faced intense backlash from state institutions. Peaceful rallies have been disrupted, media coverage censored, and key leaders arrested or detained. The movement is frequently accused of being “anti-state” or influenced by foreign powers — accusations it strongly denies. Rather than engage in dialogue, authorities have often chosen suppression over discussion.

Integration, Investment, and Inclusion

For Pakistan to move forward, the integration of former FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be meaningful. This includes full political participation, legal protections, infrastructure development, education reform, and healthcare expansion. Resource management must be transparent, with locals involved in decision-making processes. These steps are crucial to rebuild trust and foster a sense of national belonging.

A Hope for the Future

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is more than a protest — it is a plea for justice, a demand for dignity, and a struggle for the recognition of humanity. Its resilience in the face of adversity speaks to the courage of an entire people. If Pakistan is to become a truly democratic and inclusive nation, it must heed PTM’s call and ensure that no community — regardless of ethnicity or geography — is left behind.