An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the arrest of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen after he failed to attend court hearings. Judge Tanvir Abbas Sipra issued the warrant under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.
PTM says the case links to its protest near Tarnol, Islamabad, on 18 August 2023. The movement organized that rally against terrorism, enforced disappearances, and the trial of civilians in military courts. Afterward, the government filed several First Information Reports (FIRs) against PTM leaders.
Officials accused them of unlawful gatherings and anti-state speeches. PTM leaders rejected these accusations, saying their protest was peaceful and constitutional.
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PTM legal expert Atta Ullah Jan Advocate explained that the arrest warrant for Manzoor Pashteen is not new. He said such orders are routine when someone ignores court summons. He described the case as procedural and not a fresh action against the PTM leader.
The Tarnol police station earlier registered a case against Pashteen under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He faces four cases in total—two in Islamabad and others in Balochistan. Police in Chaman detained him on 4 December 2023 while he was traveling to Turbat to join a Baloch protest sit-in. Authorities later handed him over to Islamabad police.
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Pashteen remained in Jhelum and Attock jails under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law until his release on 7 February 2024. Courts granted him bail in two terrorism-related cases on 26 December 2023 but sent him on remand in another registered by Tarnol police. Earlier hearings faced delays because the presiding judge was absent. On 4 January 2024, a court approved his bail in a separate case related to alleged foreign funding of PTM.
In recent months, Manzoor Pashteen has avoided public events and media interviews. PTM leaders say their activities remain peaceful and within Pakistan’s Constitution. They insist their struggle focuses on justice and security for Pashtun communities.
Legal analysts say arrest warrants for non-appearance are common in Pakistan’s judicial system. The Anti-Terrorism Court plans to move forward with the arrest order unless Pashteen appears voluntarily. His lawyers may seek anticipatory bail or challenge the warrant on procedural grounds.
The court proceedings in his other cases will continue as scheduled.
