LAHORE/PESHAWAR: The leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), Manzoor Pashteen, has reportedly been barred from entering the premises of his former university, the Gomal University in Dera Ismail (DI) Khan.
“On the directives of the worthy vice chancellor, both the campuses (New and City Gomal University), are out of bounds for Manzoor Mehsood, ex-student of the university, with immediate effect,” read the notification which is circulating on the social media.
The news has not been confirmed by the university itself, however, the representatives of Gomal University have refused to comment despite multiple attempts by Pakistan Today.
It is worth mentioning that a few days ago (April 15), a visit by ‘state functionaries’ to Gomal University was reported, in which the faculty and administration at Gomal University were questioned about the content of their courses. The faculty and administration were also reportedly given a warning to not teach subjects that would “encourage critical thinking amongst the students”.
It is being speculated that the supposed barring of Manzoor Pashteen from campus might have to do with this visit, and maybe the result of coercion or pressure.
While the reason behind the ban on Manzoor Pashteen’s entry cannot be described, copies of the notification were also issued to high ranking civil, military and police authorities both in Peshawar and DI Khan.
The PTM stalwarts have confirmed imposition of the ban, but haven’t reacted to it so far.
Meanwhile, under the auspices of Pakistan Zindabad, a rally was held at Timergara, headquarters of Lower Dir on Tuesday, where the speakers criticised Manzoor and his organisation.
Some of the speakers at the rally also accused Manzoor and his organisation of being “sponsored by enemies of the country like India and Afghanistan”.
It is pertinent to note that from the last several days, protest rallies and statements of the tribal elders against the PTM, its leaders and demands are in progress.
The PTM, an organisation advocating for the rights of those who have been affected by the war against terror, has been staging protests in different parts of the country against the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen, within the past few days, has had come under severe criticism for speaking against the alleged mistreatment of the Pashtun community at the hands of the security forces.
With additional input by Shamim Shahid