The Nexus Between TTP and PTM: A Threat to Pashtun Society

The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) has recently become the so called key flag bearer, speaking for the problems of Pashtun. At first glance, it seems like a peaceful organization fighting for the rights of a group that has been pushed to the edges. However, it is difficult to assume that PTM is working with benign intentions keeping in view its affiliation with the Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP), a well-known militant organization that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks. PTM and Fitna al-Khawarij are both active at the same time and the PTM hasn’t spoken out against the horrible things the TTP is doing. For Pashtun society as a whole, this might be a major issue.

Are TTP and PTM, two sides of the same coin?

Recently, in an apparent attempt to assist the PTM in holding a large Jirga, the militant organization Fitna al-Khawarij announced ceasefire. This worries me a lot about how these two groups relate to one another. Both, though publicly separated in rhetoric, appear to be two sides of the same coin. Despite its claims of fighting for Pashtun rights, PTM has faced growing criticism for its apparent reluctance to condemn TTP’s terrorist activities.

While PTM frequently criticizes the Pakistan Army for its operations in the tribal areas, it has remained largely silent on the atrocities committed by the Fitna al-Khawarij against humanity especially the residents of KP. This silence has led many to question whether actions of PTM are inadvertently (or perhaps deliberately) facilitating the goals of the Fitna al-Khawarij. One of PTM’s key demands has been the removal of military checkpoints in the tribal regions. These checkpoints, while certainly a source of inconvenience for the local population, are also critical in preventing the movement of militants, including those from the Fitna al-Khawarij. The government has been able to establish its writ after successful military operations in areas that were formerly under the influence of Fitna al-Khawarij.

PTM appears to be advocating for an outcome that would help militant groups like the Fitna al-Khawarij, who have long aimed to retake their territory in the tribal areas, by calling for their expulsion. The Fitna al-Khawarij has destroyed the traditional tribal fabric, targeted Pashtuns and slaughtered innocent bystanders in its ruthless attacks, including the APS Peshawar massacre. However, the PTM has never called a Jirga to condemn the Fitna al-Khawarij or its Khawariji ideology that goes along with it. Instead, PTM’s demands for the removal of security forces seem to align more with Fitna al-Khawarij’s objectives than with any genuine pursuit of peace. The narrative PTM pushes, calling for the dismantling of military control in sensitive areas, only appears to create fertile ground for terrorist activities, thus facilitating the agenda of Fitna al-Khawarij.

Heinous Crimes of Fitna al-Khawarij Against Pashtuns

Fitna al-Khawarij, responsible for atrocities beyond comprehension, has systematically targeted Pashtun society for over a decade. From orchestrating bombings in schools to attacking Jirgas, funerals, religious gatherings, markets, public places and mosques, in short the crimes of Khwarijis are endless. Their strategy of coercion, intimidation and violence against their fellow Pashtuns is a clear attempt to destroy the traditional tribal leadership and impose a reign of terror that serves their militant ideology. The Khawariji’s ultimate goal is not just to eliminate governmental authority but to dismantle the very system that holds Pashtun society together.

The strategy of TTP has made it clear that they want to use terrorism to destroy the traditional tribal structure by eliminating Pashtun elders, who are essential to upholding law and order and conserving culture. The Pashtun identity and culture are being directly attacked by this Khwariji outfit, which is being carried out in the name of religion.

Similarity of in Agendas of PTM and TTP

Identical agenda of PTM with Fitna al-Khawarij raises serious doubts about its position. Despite their claims to speak for the Pashtun people, their behavior betrays a different agenda. PTM concentrates its efforts on denouncing the Pakistan Army and demanding the elimination of security forces’ checkpoints, which are crucial obstacles against terrorism, rather than denouncing the TTP’s atrocities. By putting forth these requests, PTM undermines the state’s attempts to fight terrorism in the area by fostering an atmosphere in which the Khwariji outfit may function more freely. This raises important question that why hasn’t PTM denounced the Khwarijis? Why have they never convened a Jirga to condemn the crimes committed by the Fitna al-Khawarij? A troubling convergence of interests might hold the key. Unknowingly or intentionally, PTM contributes to the Fitna al-Khawarij larger goals, which include destabilizing the Pashtun heartland.

The Position of Pashtun Society Against Terrorism

It is important to realize that the majority of Pashtun society supports the government in its war against terrorists. Many Pashtuns have lost their lives not only at the hands of the Fitna al-Khawarij but also because of the failure of certain groups, like PTM, to call out these militants. The military checkpoints, often criticized by PTM, are seen by many Pashtuns as necessary to protect them from the violence of the terrorists. The state, with its armed forces, has been a bulwark against the rise of terrorism in the region. While PTM accuses the state of oppressing Pashtuns, it’s the Fitna al-Khawarij and its ideology that have inflicted the most damage. Schools, markets, religious institutions and traditional gatherings have all been targets of TTP’s violence. Yet, PTM’s silence on these matters speaks volumes about their actual priorities.

The Real Face of Fitna al-Khawarij

Fitna al-Khawarij’s desire to replace the tribal system with militancy is clear. By attacking Pashtun elders and destroying traditional power structures, they seek to eliminate any opposition to their terrorist reign. But what does PTM gain by not confronting this harsh reality? This nexus between PTM and Fitna al-Khawarij raises alarming concerns about the future of Pashtun society. At its core, the Fitna al-Khawarij is the greatest enemy of the Pashtun people. Through terror, abduction, violence and systematic destruction of Pashtun culture, they have devastated the region. Yet, the PTM, instead of shielding the Pashtuns from this menace, seems to have aligned itself in a way that indirectly supports the Khwariji’s agenda.

Conclusion

Pashtun society is still in danger as the Fitna al-Khawarij carries out its bloody campaign and the PTM either passively supports them or worse helps them. It is time for the Pashtuns to think who actually looks out for their interests. Is it terror organizations like PTM, whose silence on important matters only serves to bolster the hand of their real oppressors, or the state, which has been fighting terrorism? The true face of TTP is one that is smeared with the blood of innocent people, not merely one of a violent group. This harsh reality must be considered by Pashtun society: can any movement that does not condemn such violence ever claim to be an authentic voice for the Pashtun people?