PESHAWAR: Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pashteen has said that despite peace talks spike in violence has put a question mark on the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan.

Addressing a massive rally in Miramshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan tribal district, on Sunday, he said that on one hand the Taliban and Afghan government had started peace talks and on the other violence had intensified in the war-torn country.

“The prevailing uncertainty has put the peace process in doubt,” Mr Pashteen said.

He called upon major global powers, including the US, not to use Afghan soil for safeguarding their interests. “Please go back to your own countries and stop fighting on Pakhtun soil,” he said.

He urged the people to promote harmony, unity and resolve mutual disputes through dialogue. He said that the Pakhtun nation had already suffered due to militancy and violence. The PTM leader called for giving women their rights.

Former senator Afrasaib Khattak, MNA Mohsin Dawar and other leaders of the PTM also addressed the rally.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2020