Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Bans Public Employees from Attending PTM Rallies

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has issued a ban on public employees participating in rallies organized by the outlawed Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). A formal notification has been circulated to all provincial departments, warning civil servants against any involvement with proscribed organizations.

The directive also emphasizes the need to educate students on the risks of engaging with banned groups. “Students, due to their tender age, are vulnerable to propaganda and must be informed of the legal consequences of participation, whether overt or covert, physically, financially, or otherwise, in any activity of a proscribed organization,” the notification stated. Vice chancellors and principals of both public and private universities and colleges have been instructed to immediately communicate this to their students, with the Higher Education Department tasked with ensuring compliance.

The notification further directs administrative and police officers to take necessary legal measures to implement these guidelines effectively.

In a parallel move, the federal government has placed PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and other members of the group on the Fourth Schedule, which restricts their activities and movements under anti-terrorism laws.