Three PTM members killed in Pakistani police gunfire

The Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) has reported that three of its members were killed in a shooting by Pakistani police.

The movement announced on X/witter that the incident occurred today, Wednesday, October 9, in the Reghi Lamma area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where several other PTM members were also injured.

Earlier, Radio Mashaal, the Pakistan service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported citing eyewitnesses that five PTM members were injured in today’s police shooting.

The tribal council of the Pashtun Protection Movement is scheduled to meet in the Khyber district on Friday.

The movement has stated that the purpose of the Loya Jirga is to protest against illegal arrests, the disappearance of Pashtuns, and other issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Videos shared on social media show people clashing with the police, and the sound of gunfire can be heard.

The Pakistani government, opposing the jirga, declared the PTM an illegal organization last Sunday.

However, the PTM has stated that it will hold the jirga regardless of the government’s opposition.

The shooting and the government’s ban on the PTM underscore the deepening conflict between the Pakistani state and the Pashtun movement.

This escalates regional tensions, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of assembly. Without a resolution, the situation risks further violence and instability, necessitating urgent attention from human rights organizations and international mediators to foster dialogue and prevent further conflict.

The post Three PTM members killed in Pakistani police gunfire appeared first on Khaama Press.