At least three people were killed, and dozens more were injured when Pakistani security forces stormed a Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) gathering in Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday.
The Pashtun people had assembled in Jamrud tehsil for the “Pashtun National Jirga,” also known as the “Awami Adalat” (People’s Court). According to witnesses, security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the peaceful assembly.
Chaos erupted as attendees fled the scene amid the violence. Local sources report that dozens of injured participants were transported to nearby hospitals, but the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen condemned the security forces’ actions, claiming “three friends have been martyred, and dozens injured.” He added that similar attacks took place in other districts, with security forces reportedly firing on people en route to the Jirga from South and North Waziristan. One person was killed, and several others were injured in South Waziristan, he said.
Helicopters were seen overhead after the clashes, and the transfer of wounded individuals to hospitals continues.
The Jirga had been convened by the PTM to discuss issues concerning Pashtun rights, including “state-sponsored violence,” terrorism, and targeted killings.
However, last week, Pakistani authorities dismantled the PTM’s camp in Jamrud and launched several raids. Gunfire and tear gas were used during these operations, leading to injuries among activists.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior officially banned the PTM. A notification issued by the ministry claimed the movement was spreading an “anti-state narrative” and inciting unrest. Despite the ban, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen vowed that the Jirga would proceed.
“No matter how much violence the state uses, the Pashtun National Jirga will take place,” he said. He also noted that the Pashtun people have long suffered oppression and injustice, and their resistance will continue despite attempts to suppress their rights.