The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued a notification banning its employees from attending any rallies or activities organised by the banned Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
The notification, which was released on Tuesday, states that participation—whether physical, financial, or otherwise—by any government official in the activities of proscribed organizations is illegal and will be met with legal action.
The document further emphasises that all employees across various government departments have been informed of the restriction, warning that any violation would result in strict measures under the law.
This move follows the federal government’s decision to designate PTM as a proscribed organization. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, during a press conference on Tuesday, provided details regarding the federal cabinet's decision to ban PTM, citing a range of concerns linked to the movement.
“PTM has disrespected national symbols, including burning the Pakistani flag, and has been involved in attacks on Pakistani embassies abroad. The movement has also received foreign funding,” said Tarar.
The Information Minister further revealed PTM’s alleged connections with the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban, claiming that Afghan nationals have been involved in recent PTM-led activities. Citing these reasons, he explained the necessity for the ban, stating that such actions undermine Pakistan's security and sovereignty.
In his warning to political parties, Tarar stressed that no political entity would be allowed to collaborate with or support PTM, as the state would not tolerate any efforts to destabilize the country.
