K-P bars govt employees from attending rallies of outlawed PTM

K-P's ban on civil servants attending PTM rallies aims to curb links with the outlawed group’s activities.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed a ban on public employees attending rallies or events organised by the outlawed Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), according to an official notification issued on Tuesday.

The notification, circulated to all provincial departments, warned civil servants against any involvement with proscribed organisations. This includes physical, financial, or covert participation, with violators facing legal action.

Simultaneously, the federal government has placed PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and 44 others on the Fourth Schedule under Section 11EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, further tightening restrictions on the group.

Provincial information adviser Barrister Saif reiterated the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution and laws, stating that KP will enforce all regulations against banned organisations.

He criticised federal representatives for remaining silent on the issue, questioning why key government figures had not commented on PTM's outlawed status.

Barrister Saif also rebuked opposition figures, including Ahmed Kundi of the Pakistan People's Party, for politicising the matter.

He accused them of exploiting sensitive issues for political gain, while defending the government’s stance in support of the military’s counter-terrorism efforts.