PESHAWAR: People from different political parties, mostly from tribal areas, on Tuesday participated in a rally arranged with the “Pakistan Zindabad” slogan in the provincial capital whereas the participants condemned Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement headed by Manzoor Pashteen and praised armed forces for their role in safeguarding internal and external interests of the country.
Though no top organiser of the event was either ascertained or named but some of politicians including sitting lawmakers have made too much publicity in favour of the Pakistan Zindabad rally through multiple colour advertisements in newspapers and portraits throughout Peshawar city and on entrance roads.
The participants of the rally arranged in outskirts of Peshawar were tribesmen including elders from different tribal agencies and regions. During chat with media, the elders focused maximum criticism on PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen and his aides. The participants from Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mohmand and Dara Adam Khel reached in processions amidst chanting slogans in favour of the armed forces.
A large number of the tribal elders who turned to traditional tribal jirga at the Governor’s House one day ago were present at the rally. Besides others, a number of sitting lawmakers, including MNA Ayesha Gulalai, MPA Javed Nasim, MPA Fazal Shakoor, former lawmaker Atifur Rahman and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Zahidullah Shinwari, were visible on stage.
The speakers in strong words condemned the PTM leaders especially Manzoor Pashteen and accused them of playing in the hands of what they called India and Afghanistan just for damaging image of the armed forces. They urged the government to take action against this group and prevent its leaders of staging rally in Peshawar on April 8 next.
From the last several days, protest rallies and statements of the tribal elders against the Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement, its leaders and demands are in progress.
