Once a movement for justice, PTM now faces scrutiny for promoting divisive narratives, foreign ties
The writer is a public policy analyst based in Lahore. She can be reached at [email protected]
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 wi
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