Ban on PTM unconstitutional: Achakzai

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A veteran Pakhtun nationalist leader has lashed out at the Pakistani government for banning the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

Speaking at an event in Balochistan on Monday, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai denounced the move as an unconstitutional decision.

The ban on PTM was a brazen violation of the basic democratic right to the freedom of assembly, speech and association, Achakzai argued.

On Sunday, the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government announced banning the Manzoor Pashteen-led alliance, citing threats to the country’s security.

In a notification, the Interior Ministry claimed having reasons to believe that the PTM was engaged in certain activities prejudicial to peace and security of the country.

The PkMAP leader pledged they would not allow the authorities to treat ex-premier Imran Khan a  declared that the tragic mistreatment meted out to like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

If the military continued to interfere in politics, Pakistan would remain mired in political instability and uncertainty, Achakzai warned.

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