MOVEMENTS such as Pukhtun Tahafooz Movement are the natural corollary of the state’s high-handedness. It is a bitter fact that collateral damage is the most unfortunate aspect of military action anywhere in the world. When such damages become unbearable for local populace, they employ their democratic right of protest.

The PTM case is no different. These are the people who suffered both human and economic losses in the unending war raged on terrorism in the tribal belt of Pakistan.The state, like a mother, should hear the voices coming out of the most troubled area of the country.

Instead of creating anti-PTM groups, the state should engage the PTM’s leadership through talks

Engr Shakeel Ahmad

Bajaur Agency

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2018