Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen is a visionary and brave leader of millions of oppressed Pashtuns, fiercely resisting oppression. Pashteen has dedicated his life to defending the rights of Pashtuns. He was born in Sarwakai, South Waziristan, on October 25, 1994. He completed his studies at Gomal University in 2017 and became doctor in veterinary medicine.
In 2014 he established the ‘Mahsud Tahafuz (protection) movement,’ a human rights campaign the main goal of which was to remove landmines, end enforced disappearance, remove military check points and stop the war in Waziristan. Pashteen has been fighting for Pashtuns’ fundamental human rights since his youth.
On January 26, 2018, Manzoor Pashteen together with 22 of his friends organized a protest march from Dera Ismail Khan to the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. As more and more individuals joined along the way, the march gathered strength and people became familiar with his ideas and became aware that the misery they were living in was because of a systematic oppression by the Pakistani state. After arrival in Islamabad on February first, the Mahsud Tahafuz Movement was renamed to Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), as it became obvious that the human rights violations faced by the Mahsud tribe were faced by all Pashtuns. What makes the activism of Manzoor Pashteen and PTM unique is the strictly nonviolent way of protest.
Manzoor Pashteen has become the main Pashtun leader since then, loved by Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand line. His popularity is attributed to both his sympathetic nature and his strong commitment to achieve justice and peace for Pashtuns. Despite obstruction, intimidation and sabotage by the Pakistani army, he has been able to inspire and mobilize people to fight for their rights. His calls for justice and accountability and against the war, have exposed the Pakistani army as the main source of terror, war, insecurity and chaos in the Pashtun belt. While standing up against the oppression by the Pakistani generals, Manzoor Pashteen shows and propagates tolerance and understanding towards other Pashtun leaders by not criticizing them and not responding to their offences. Manzoor Pashteen is supported by millions of Pashtuns who respect his uncompromising loyalty to his principals, adherence to the demands of PTM, even at the risk of his life. The truth behind his words also has a profound value for his followers.
Gharsanai Watanyar March 2024