PTM appeals UN for immediate release of party chief Manzoor Pashteen

The party also condemned an assassination attempt on him by the Pakistani Army.

In a letter penned to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the PTM has “strongly condemned the abortive assassination attempt by the Pakistan Army and subsequent illegal arrest of PTM Leader, well-known human rights activist Manzoor Pashteen, by joint ISI-Police operation in Chaman district of Balochistan", reported ANI.

The letter stated that “Pashteen and his colleagues while on their way to a sit-in organised by Baloch Human Rights Defenders against gross human rights violations committed by the Pakistan Army, particularly enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture in district Turbat of Balochistan province.”

“Manzoor and his supporters were treated like terrorists by Pakistan Army and fired straight bullets on their car near the Chaman Press Club. Manzoor was protected by his colleagues and driven away from the scene of the attempted assassination,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan government is planning to impose a ban on Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), following the arrest of its chief recently.

Chaman Deputy Commissioner Raja Athar Abbas had said that Manzoor Pashteen was apprehended after armed men from his vehicle allegedly opened fire at a police vehicle, reported The Express Tribune.

PTM members, however, alleged law enforcement officers of initiating the gunfire.