PTM supporters to lose CNIC, passports

Naqvi says movement banned for maligning state

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday warned that no one would be allowed to establish a parallel judicial system in the country, use foul language against state institutions, or take up arms.

The warning came after the government declared the PTM as "unlawful" under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. A notification issued by the interior ministry mentioned that the PTM posed a "significant danger" to public order and safety in the country.

Founded in the wake of Naqeebullah Mehsud's killing, a youth from South Waziristan, the PTM and its leader, Manzoor Pashteen, have faced severe criticism from the ruling establishment, which has accused them of fomenting unrest and operating at the behest of foreign agencies, charges that PTM leaders vehemently deny.

This development comes ahead of the PTM-initiated Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga, scheduled for October 11. Recently, security agencies in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have come under fire for conducting raids on PTM camps.

Following the imposition of a ban on the PTM, the government announced that all formalities would be completed, including the cancellation of identity cards and passports, as well as the closure of political offices and activities. Anyone attempting to support or assist the PTM will also fall under this ban.

A clear message has been sent to those backing the PTM: if they act against the country, they will face similar consequences. Officials said that advocating for rights and taking up arms "cannot go hand in hand."

While addressing a news conference at the Ministry of Interior, Naqvi stated that while tribal jirgas (councils) have been held before, led by tribal elders, bringing thousands of people to such gatherings is not considered a jirga but something else entirely. The government of Pakistan has decided that no parallel judicial system will be allowed under any circumstances, he said.

He said that the main reason for the ban on the PTM was its use of derogatory language against state institutions and police, as well as inciting division among the nation through ethnic discrimination. While discussing political issues and people's rights is permitted, no one will be allowed to incite people against the institutions.

Naqvi mentioned that it has come to their attention that individuals from one or two political parties, when meeting with PTM leaders, supported them on the issue of rights but also emphasized that rights cannot be discussed while simultaneously taking up arms.

He added that following the ban on the PTM, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had placed 54 individuals on the Fourth Schedule, while the Balochistan government had listed 34 individuals.

According to Pakistani law, anyone who supports PTM in any way will have their identity cards and passports blocked, the minister underlined.

Naqvi noted that such planning has never been carried out in Pakistan before, and it will soon become clear which direction the PTM intends to take the nation. He revealed that foreign companies are making documentaries about them, and evidence of their funding will be provided in the coming days. He reiterated that there is a clear message for those backing PTM; if they do such things against the country, they will face the same consequences.