Voices That Divide Cannot Define Patriotism
Even in the fiercest winds, the flag of sacrifice flies high. In Pakistan’s rugged northwest, where peace has been paid for in blood, no attempt to distort truth can erase the unwavering resolve of a nation standing firm against terrorism. Yet amid this hard-won progress, voices like those of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) attempt to blur lines, weaponizing grievance and identity to undermine the very forces that guard the country’s peace.
PTM positions itself as a champion of the Pashtun cause, but in doing so, it often trades in selective outrage and inflammatory rhetoric. It portrays itself as the sole voice of the people from the former tribal areas, but its narrative is disturbingly one-sided. By persistently targeting Pakistan’s security forces in its statements, PTM does more than just criticize policy—it sows seeds of mistrust between the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts and those sworn to protect them. This deliberate attempt to drive a wedge into the bond between the state and its citizens comes at a dangerous time, when national unity remains the strongest weapon against rising regional threats.
Pakistan’s battle against terrorism, particularly against the Khawarij ideology of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, is not just an abstract war fought on the border—it is a day-to-day reality. Security forces continue to face ambushes, attacks, and infiltration attempts as they defend not just the physical borders but also the very idea of a peaceful, pluralistic Pakistan. Yet PTM chooses to vilify those very forces, conveniently ignoring the brutal tactics and destructive ambitions of terrorist organizations who have killed civilians, destroyed livelihoods, and pushed entire communities into displacement.
The reality PTM refuses to acknowledge is that terrorism did not grow in a vacuum. It took root in lawless spaces, fed by foreign interference and exploited by extremist groups with no regard for the lives or futures of Pashtun families. Pakistan’s military and law enforcement have pushed back against this tide with courage and resilience, often at great personal cost. To disregard their sacrifice is to stand on the wrong side of history. More worryingly, to align—even inadvertently—with narratives that mirror those of the TTP and its ilk is not just irresponsible; it risks legitimizing terror by obscuring its true face.
It is critical to recognize the right of every citizen to raise concerns and demand better governance. But there is a clear line between constructive dissent and destructive rhetoric. PTM, in its current form, appears increasingly to cross that line, cloaking political ambition in the language of human rights while actively diverting attention from the real dangers confronting the people of the region. Rather than confronting terrorist elements or proposing viable alternatives for development, it settles into a pattern of agitation, blame, and distortion.
The people of the merged districts deserve more than politicized outrage—they deserve safety, opportunity, and representation grounded in integrity. Pakistan’s institutions, despite challenges, have made real strides in bringing infrastructure, education, and administrative reform to these long-neglected areas. The process is far from perfect, but progress must be built upon, not undermined through division and suspicion.
Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism remains unshaken. It is built not on propaganda, but on decades of struggle, sacrifice, and an unrelenting belief in a future free from the fear of bombs and bullets. The attempt by any group to undermine this national mission—by vilifying the security forces or manipulating ethnic identity—must be seen for what it is: a disservice to the very people it claims to represent.
History will not remember those who spoke the loudest, but those who stood for the truth when it was most inconvenient. The path to peace is paved with clarity, resolve, and unity. And in this fight, Pakistan stands firm.
