Pashtun leader Manzoor Pashteen accuses Pakistan’s military of using counterterrorism to suppress Pashtuns, causing deaths, displacement, and blocking aid.

Manzoor Pashteen, head of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, accused Pakistan’s security forces of conducting state-backed military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the guise of counterterrorism, leading to civilian deaths, injuries, and mass displacement across multiple districts. He alleged the military uses counterterrorism as a pretext to suppress Pashtun political expression, control resources, and maintain dominance, with local officials lacking real power. The closure of the Torkham border worsened conditions for displaced families, while state pressure reportedly blocked local relief efforts. Despite intimidation, activists continue supporting affected communities, and the PTM called for Pashtun unity and peaceful resistance against what it describes as systemic marginalization and forced displacement.