Pakhtun Tahaffuz Movement denies anti-state agenda on protests

The Pakhtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) has said that the recent protests do not have any anti-state agenda since their demands are in accordance with the Pakistan Constitution.

Addressing a rally at Bacha Khan Chowk at Landi Kotal at Khyber Agency on Sunday, the PTM leaders said that they were taking serious note of what they called a "venomous campaign" against the Pashtun community on media, by identifying them as "traitors and agents of the enemies of the country," The Dawn reported.

"This movement is neither anti-state nor against any state institution. Our struggle is meant to secure all the legal and constitutional rights for the terrorism-affected Pakhtuns," the PTM leaders said.

"We have no grudges against any political party, religious sect or any important individual. All our demands and activities are in accordance with the philosophy on non-violence. We have so far not disturbed the lives and occupations of ordinary citizens during all our previous rallies," they added.

However, the PTM leaders have demanded the release of the people from the Pakhtun community, who are missing and has pressed for those facing charges of anti-state activities to be produced before the court of law.

They have called for the respect of their tribesmen and to not misbehave with people in the name of search operations.

For the unversed, massive anti-Pakistan protests were held by the Pakhtuns across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan last month against the atrocities committed on them by Pakistani forces and are demanding a complete independence from the country, according to media reports.