Do Pashtuns endorse PTM?
(Eschmall Sardar, Rawalpindi)
Pashtuns are strong enough in head and mind. They undoubtedly
suffered a lot during the war against terror, facing displacements, losing life
and property. Their contribution and sacrifices are huge and the successes
Pakistan gained in asymmetric unconventional war couldn’t have been possible
without their understanding of the real enemy, itsactual agenda and modus
operandi. But, the enemy that suffered defeat at the hands of our army aided by
Pashtuns, came out with Plan B i.e. to operate through the locals using the
public sentiment against sufferings of war and its aftershocks. The organization
formed in the name of PTM has seemingly born out of the enemy plan, which most
of the Pashtuns do not approve of, rather duly deplore. Though ManzurPashteen
and his aides have largely failed in instigating Pashtuns as his anti-army
slogans are not real and the public wisdom recognizes that it is
India-sponsored, yet the PTM propaganda is maligning the sanctity of security
forces which is tantamount to undermining their gains in war.
If the PTM is to highlight issues facing the uprooted people, then why is the
rhetoric army-centric, why not join hands to extend help in their resettlement
and rehabilitation? If they are to exploit their miseries and sufferings, then
why the PTM leaders are enjoying cozy comforts while sitting in Islamabad and
other cities? Wasn’t it better to be with the affected and displaced, in the
conflict-hit areas of KP or erstwhile FATA? If they claim to be a political
movement, then why Ali Wazir says “PTM is superior to Parliament”? At a
gathering in Peshawar, Pashteen said he doesn’t believe in Constitution. If they
are for the rights of Pashtuns, then why aren’t the rights of Pashtuns living
across the border a concern for PTM? Isn’t it because of the fencing of border
that has also stopped the forest mafias, smugglers and kidnappers from operating
on both sides, giving a huge dent to their underworld businesses? I urge the
leadership of PTM to come forward and join hands with the PTI government in K-P
to directly participate in rehabilitation and relief of IDPs in North Waziristan
and elsewhere, please. This is time to shun and propagate hate, otherwise
Pashtuns will not buy the PTM narrative.