PHC directs KP Assembly speaker to address PTM ban issue

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday directed the the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and the former speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser to play their role in resolving issues pertaining to the ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

A two-member bench comprising Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah issued notices to the federal and provincial governments while hearing a petition challenging the federal government’s decision to declare PTM a proscribed organisation.

During the hearing, Justice SM Attique Shah asked KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and former speaker Asad Qaiser about the outcome of a previously held jirga on the PTM issue.

“PTM members are also sons of this soil,” remarked Justice Attique. “When discussing incidents like May 9 and November 26, you must also address matters impacting this province. This region has been in conflict for 40 years. It’s high time that all stakeholders work together for the betterment of this province,” he added.

The petitioner’s lawyer, Attaullah Kundi, argued that PTM was established in 2014 to safeguard the rights of Pashtuns.

“Inspired by the non-violent philosophy of Abdul Ghaffar Khan known as Bacha Khan, the movement advocated for the protection of fundamental rights, accountability, and the resolution of issues like enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings through peaceful means”, he added.

Kundi informed the court that on October 6, the federal government declared PTM a proscribed organisation under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

He said the government had claimed that PTM was involved in anti-state activities and posed a threat to law and order, adding that this led PTM to challenge the decision in court.

During the hearing, Justice Attique asked the provincial government to focus on constructive measures like establishing Information Technology universities. “Punjab is building an IT university. What are you doing for the youth here?” he asked.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati informed the court that the jirga, which was initiated to address PTM’s concerns, remained active and was working towards resolving issues.