PTM top guns file nomination papers for NA-48, 50

–Manzoor Pashteen says PTM will remain a non-parliamentary movement

–Section 144 imposed in South Waziristan

ISLAMABAD: Pashtun Tahafuz Movement’s (PTM) top brass leadership is all set to try its luck in the electoral battle and has submitted the nomination papers in terror-stricken South Waziristan and North Waziristan’s constituencies while Section 144 has also been imposed in South Waziristan, prohibiting public gatherings and curtailing freedom of movement.

PTM stalwart Ali Wazir has submitted his nomination papers in NA-50 (Tribal Area-XI) South Waziristan, while another top gun Mohsin Dawar filed his nomination papers in NA-48 (Tribal Area-IX) North Waziristan constituency.

However, both the candidates would contest the elections as independent candidates since the PTM leadership is unanimous on the point of maintaining PTM as an apolitical and non-parliamentary movement whose sole purpose is to ensure the provision of long-denied rights for Pashtuns in the country.

Taking to Pakistan Today, Ali Wazir, a senior PTM leader and candidate for NA-50, said that he submitted his nomination papers in NA-50 and he would take part in the elections.

The PTM leader said that he would contest as an independent candidate because PTM is apolitical movement and it would remain so and the fight for Pakhtun rights would be continued at all levels.

Maznoor Pashteen, head of the movement, categorically stated in his video message that PTM has no political objectives and stated that the PTM is totally a non-parliamentary Pashtun national movement whose fight is only for ensuring the long-denied rights of Pashtuns in the country, hence PTM would not take part in parliamentary politics.

However, he made it clear that everyone who took part in the movement and played his role could contest elections and there was no such bar on any of its member, but PTM platform and stage would not be used for political objectives.

Manzoor said that people from different walks of life having affiliations with different political parties including former MNAs, Senators, MPAs are supporting the cause of PTM, hence no one would be allowed to use PTM for further their political agenda.

He went onto say that if any of PTM member wanted to take part in the parliamentary politics they should do because taking in parliamentary politics is not a crime as they could raise voice for Pashtun rights at the parliament house too.

Manzoor said that the PTM leadership is on one page and is happy with the decision because the objective of PTM is greater.

He said that they know that they have chosen a difficult path to get their rights but vowed that nothing would deter them and efforts would continue till the materialising of their dreams of bringing joy on the faces of the gloomy faces of Pashtuns by ensuring their basic human rights in the country.

Talking to this scribe, Mohsin Dawar, a candidate for NA-48, stated that he would contest elections as an independent candidate because PTM is non-parliamentary movement and having representation from different political parties.

However, he said that any of the PTM leaders or members could take part in the elections and there is no such bar and no one would be asked to relinquish his/her position the PTM, but the PTM platform would not be used for one political objective.

Meanwhile, the political administration of North Waziristan imposed a three-month ban on Mohsin Dawar for allegedly instigating people through provocative speeches.

To a question about the three-month ban on his entry in North Waziristan, Mohsin said that he is going to challenge the decision in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) and hopes to get justice.

SECTION 144 IMPOSED IN SOUTH WAZIRISTAN:

Tribal District of South Waziristan District Magistrate Suhail Khan said that reports have been received that certain elements are resorting to objectionable, prejudicial, hate speeches against the state institutions in public gatherings, assemblies and processions which are likely to disturb the public peace and law and order situation in the tribal district South Waziristan.

“Whereas, in my opinion, there are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 144 CrPC to prevent all such gatherings, processions and rallies prejudicial to public peace and tranquility,” the order added.

The order reads, “Now, therefore, I, Tribal District of South Waziristan District Magistrate Suhail Khan, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 144 Criminal Procedure Code (CrCP), do hereby prohibit all such gatherings, rallies and processions which are planned to be taken out without prior approval of the District Administration of South Waziristan. This order shall come into force immediately for a period of one month and shall remain in force within the limits of tribal district of South Waziristan. Any person/persons contravening this order shall render himself/themselves punishable under Section of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).”

However, both steps that were taken by administrations of North and South Waziristan raise serious questions as to how the candidates would campaign in their constituencies and it is tantamount to deprive them of their rights of electioneering.