The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) emerged several years ago claiming to highlight the grievances of Pashtun communities affected by militancy and counterterrorism operations. At the time, the movement presented itself as a civil rights campaign focused on accountability and justice in conflict-affected areas.
Over time, however, PTM’s narrative and political posture have shifted in ways that increasingly raise questions about its direction. It has been hijacked by Afghan Diaspora in the western capital to advance Afghan Taliban narrative.
What once appeared to be a domestic rights movement is now frequently associated with messaging amplified by segments of the Afghan diaspora, particularly in Western capitals.
This shift becomes even more visible when PTM activists (mainly Afghan diaspora) abroad mobilize protests against Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
PTM Protests Abroad
Recent protests organized under PTM banners in London and Washington illustrate this shift. Many of these demonstrations are not driven by Pakistani citizens but by activists associated with the Afghan diaspora networks who openly promote the slogan “Lar o Bar Afghanistan.”
This narrative frames Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line as belonging to a unified Afghan identity — a political position historically used by Afghan nationalists to question Pakistan’s territorial legitimacy.
The growing overlap between PTM activism and Afghan diaspora politics has raised concerns about whether the movement still reflects local grievances or has become part of a broader geopolitical narrative.
Another striking contradiction is the role played by Afghan citizens who have sought asylum in Western countries after the fall of Kabul in 2021. Many among these groups applied for asylum citing fears of persecution by the Afghan Taliban regime.
However, some of these same networks are now seen publicly defending or echoing narratives aligned with the Afghan Taliban government while organizing protests against Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures using the PTM banner.
This paradox has raised questions about the political motivations behind such activism and whether PTM’s messaging is increasingly aligned with broader Afghan geopolitical narratives.
Opposition to Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Operations
The issue became more visible when PTM-linked activists abroad organized protests against Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, which targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan launched the operation following repeated cross-border attacks. TTP militants have carried out numerous suicide bombings and attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Despite this security context, PTM activists framed these counterterrorism operations as acts of oppression against Pashtuns.
Silence on Cross-Border Terrorism
Pakistan has repeatedly stated that TTP militants operate from safe havens inside Afghanistan. These groups regroup across the border before launching attacks inside Pakistan.
PTM rarely addresses this cross-border terrorism. While the movement frequently criticizes Pakistan’s security forces, it remains largely silent when terrorist attacks target civilians, mosques, schools and security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This selective focus raises an important question whether PTM’s advocacy has become politically aligned with Afghan narratives.
The Durand Line Narrative
Another recurring theme in PTM discourse is the portrayal of the Durand Line as a border dividing Pashtun communities.
However, Afghanistan shares borders that divide multiple ethnic groups, including Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmen and Hazaras. None of these groups promote cross-border agitation in the same manner. PTM banner is being leveraged by the Afghan diaspora and Manzoor Pashteen, PTM leader is the main accomplice.
Pashtun Representation in Pakistan
The narrative portraying Pakistan as a state marginalizing Pashtuns also contrasts with political realities.
Pashtuns hold representation across Pakistan’s political system, including parliament, provincial governments, the civil service, judiciary, media and the armed forces. Their presence in key institutions reflects integration within the state structure rather than systematic exclusion.
Pakistan’s War Against Terrorism
Pakistan’s fight against terrorism has come at a tremendous cost. More than 94,000 Pakistanis — including civilians and security personnel — have lost their lives in militant violence.
Many of those victims were Pashtuns living in regions most affected by terrorism.
In this context, Pakistan maintains that counterterrorism operations are necessary to protect citizens and restore security.
Afghan Refugees and Pakistan’s Sovereign Rights
PTM activists have also criticized Pakistan’s policy of repatriating undocumented Afghan refugees.
However, the process is being carried out under legal frameworks such as the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Passports Act of 1974, which allow states to regulate undocumented foreign nationals.
Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations for more than four decades. Over four million Afghans have lived in Pakistan at different times since 1979.
The debate surrounding PTM today reflects a broader struggle over political narratives in the region.
But when a movement that once claimed to represent those grievances begins to echo external geopolitical narratives while remaining silent on terrorism that has killed thousands of its own people, it inevitably raises questions about whose interests it is ultimately serving.
The challenge for Pakistan’s public discourse is to distinguish between legitimate rights advocacy and political activism that risks becoming a vehicle for external agendas.
