Amnesty International Condemns Pakistan Government’s Ban on Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement
Amnesty International strongly criticizes the Pakistan government’s ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) and the use of anti-terrorism laws against activists and peaceful protesters from minority groups, calling it a violation of fundamental rights.
What is PTM?
- PTM advocates for the human rights of Pashtuns
- Designated as a ‘proscribed organization’ by Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act
Why is the Ban Problematic?
The ban on PTM is a crackdown on peaceful protests and assemblies by dissenting groups, hindering the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
Concerns About Anti-Terrorism Laws
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Pakistan can criminalize dissent without providing concrete evidence, leading to unlawful restrictions on rights and freedoms.
Use of Unlawful Force
Authorities have resorted to teargas, firearms, and arbitrary arrests to suppress PTM activists, raising concerns about human rights violations.
Call for Action
Amnesty International urges the Pakistan government to revoke the ban on PTM, respect the right to peaceful assembly, and release all arbitrary detainees immediately.
Source: www.amnesty.org