Pashtun Leader Urges Protests against Afghanistani Refugee Expulsions

DID Press: Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), strongly condemned forced expulsion of Afghanistani refugees from Pakistan, urging Pashtun youth to stage sustained protests against these measures. His call comes amid growing fears among Afghanistani families, who are reportedly avoiding hospitals and other services for fear of detention or deportation, as concerns mounting over their safety ahead of the upcoming winter.

In a statement directed at Pashtun youth, Pashteen emphasized the need to consistently oppose both the forced returns of Afghanistani and ongoing military operations by the Pakistani army in Pashtun-inhabited areas. He specifically criticized airstrikes and military campaigns in Tirah region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he said have killed at least 20 civilians, including women and children.

Pashteen also announced plans for a three-day protest in Bannu and called on allies to attend the event.

The remarks come after the closure of five Afghanistani refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Panian camp, which had been in operation for four decades. Local officials have expressed concerns over the repatriation process, but Pakistan’s government has reportedly intensified deportation efforts.

Pashteen urged Pashtun youth not to remain passive, insisting they must raise their voices against what he described as “cruel policies” targeting Afghanistani refugees and Pashtun communities.