A Pakistani court Saturday ordered the release of a Pashtun rights leader critical of the military, his lawyer said, weeks after he was arrested on sedition charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-denies-bail-to-prominent-pashtun-minority-leader-arrested-for-sedition-277091">Manzoor Pashteen</a>, chief of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-denies-bail-to-prominent-pashtun-minority-leader-arrested-for-sedition-277091">Pashtun Protection Movement</a> (PTM), was arrested last month on charges of sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy.

His lawyer Saeed Akhtar told AFP that he had already been bailed on three of five complaints against him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-denies-bail-to-prominent-pashtun-minority-leader-arrested-for-sedition-277091">Pakistan court denies bail to prominent Pashtun minority leader arrested for 'sedition'</a>

"Today the court has granted him bail in the remaining two, against surety bonds of one hundred thousand rupees ($650) each," Akhtar said.

He added that he hoped Pashteen would be released from jail later Saturday. A government prosecutor also confirmed the bail to AFP.

Pashteen, a former veterinary student, and the PTM have rattled Pakistan's military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-denies-bail-to-prominent-pashtun-minority-leader-arrested-for-sedition-277091">Pashtuns </a>in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

Once plagued by militancy and unrest, the region is where Washington believes Pakistan provides safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army</a>

The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years.

But the PTM claim the operations came at a heavy price because of alleged abuses, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line.

Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists.

A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide.

An opinion piece written by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Pashteen </a>in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtun-tahaffuz-movement-stage-protest-against-state-atrocities-133496">Pakistan</a>.

Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's popul.

A Pakistani court Saturday ordered the release of a Pashtun rights leader critical of the military, his lawyer said, weeks after he was arrested on sedition charges.

A Pakistani court Saturday ordered the release of a Pashtun rights leader critical of the military, his lawyer said, weeks after he was arrested on sedition charges. Manzoor Pashteen, chief of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), was arrested last month on charges of sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy. His lawyer Saeed Akhtar told AFP that he had already been bailed on three of five complaints against him. Pakistan court denies bail to prominent Pashtun minority leader arrested for 'sedition' "Today the court has granted him bail in the remaining two, against surety bonds of one hundred thousand rupees ($650) each," Akhtar said. He added that he hoped Pashteen would be released from jail later Saturday. A government prosecutor also confirmed the bail to AFP. Pashteen, a former veterinary student, and the PTM have rattled Pakistan's military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. Once plagued by militancy and unrest, the region is where Washington believes Pakistan provides safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. Also read: Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years. But the PTM claim the operations came at a heavy price because of alleged abuses, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line. Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists. A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide. An opinion piece written by Pashteen in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in Pakistan. Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's popul.

Pakistan court orders release of Pashtun rights leader

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday.

Manzoor Pashteen, chief of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mp-accuses-officials-of-lying-about-clash-between-activists-military-222491">Pashtun Protection Movement</a> (PTM), appeared before a magistrate after being detained shortly after midnight, said police official Shiraz Khan.

Khan said Pashteen would be transferred to another district where he is wanted on charges including sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy.

The former veterinary student and his PTM have rattled the military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markles-father-it-would-be-great-to-see-you-even-in-court-276878">Washington</a> believes Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network.

The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years.

The military maintains a heavy presence there, however, and the PTM has tapped into festering anger over alleged abuses against Pashtuns -- including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

The movement remains peaceful but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line.

Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists.

A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide.

An opinion piece written by Pashteen in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in Pakistan.

In December 2018 a military spokesman warned that the army would use force against PTM if they "cross the line".

Mohsin Dawar, a PTM member of parliament from the North Waziristan tribal district, confirmed Pashteen's arrest to AFP.

"He has been charged in many cases including sedition," Dawar said, who along with another PTM MP was detained by authorities for months last year. &nbsp;

On Twitter, Dawar demanded Pashteen's immediate release and asked PTM supporters to "remain calm".

Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest.

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday.

A charismatic Pashtun rights leader who repeatedly accused the powerful military of abuse has been arrested in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, police said Monday. Manzoor Pashteen, chief of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), appeared before a magistrate after being detained shortly after midnight, said police official Shiraz Khan. Khan said Pashteen would be transferred to another district where he is wanted on charges including sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state, and criminal conspiracy. The former veterinary student and his PTM have rattled the military since 2018 with calls to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. The army has carried out many operations in the region, and security across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years. The military maintains a heavy presence there, however, and the PTM has tapped into festering anger over alleged abuses against Pashtuns -- including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement remains peaceful but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line. Islamabad and the military have repeatedly denied the claims and arrested PTM activists. A far-reaching media blackout has kept news and images of peaceful PTM rallies off TV screens and front pages nationwide. An opinion piece written by Pashteen in the New York Times in 2019 was censored in Pakistan. In December 2018 a military spokesman warned that the army would use force against PTM if they "cross the line". Mohsin Dawar, a PTM member of parliament from the North Waziristan tribal district, confirmed Pashteen's arrest to AFP. "He has been charged in many cases including sedition," Dawar said, who along with another PTM MP was detained by authorities for months last year. On Twitter, Dawar demanded Pashteen's immediate release and asked PTM supporters to "remain calm". Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddles both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They account for roughly 15 percent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest.

Pakistan police arrest Pashtun rights leader critical of military

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group.

Moshin Dawar -- an MP and leading member of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) -- disputed claims by the military that activists assaulted the military during a protest near a checkpoint along the Afghan border Sunday, saying security forces fired into the unarmed crowd. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We did not attack any army checkpoint rather we were attacked," Dawar told AFP by phone from an undisclosed location where he is believed to be hiding.&nbsp;

"The state and the state institutions are using force against us and I will raise voice against these excesses from whatever forum possible," he added.

Dawar went on to claim that at least 13 people were killed by the firing, dismissing earlier reports from the military that just three activists were killed during the melee.

Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the incident earlier this week, saying "if the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law".

The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan.

Since bursting onto the scene last year, the PTM has rattled Pakistan’s military with its calls to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns.

Darwar's claims also come as the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the release of Pakistani journalist Gohar Wazir who was arrested in nearby Bannu earlier this week after interviewing the PTM leader.

"Gohar Wazir should not have to face arrest merely for doing the job of reporting the news, even reporting on controversial events such as protests by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement," said Steven Butler, the CPJ Asia programme coordinator.

A local official confirmed the arrest of the journalist along with 22 others, saying Wazir had violated a public order ordinance for taking part in PTM protests.

The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings, during the military's fight against insurgents.

Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group.

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group. Moshin Dawar -- an MP and leading member of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) -- disputed claims by the military that activists assaulted the military during a protest near a checkpoint along the Afghan border Sunday, saying security forces fired into the unarmed crowd. "We did not attack any army checkpoint rather we were attacked," Dawar told AFP by phone from an undisclosed location where he is believed to be hiding. "The state and the state institutions are using force against us and I will raise voice against these excesses from whatever forum possible," he added. Dawar went on to claim that at least 13 people were killed by the firing, dismissing earlier reports from the military that just three activists were killed during the melee. Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the incident earlier this week, saying "if the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law". The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan. Since bursting onto the scene last year, the PTM has rattled Pakistan’s military with its calls to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns. Darwar's claims also come as the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the release of Pakistani journalist Gohar Wazir who was arrested in nearby Bannu earlier this week after interviewing the PTM leader. "Gohar Wazir should not have to face arrest merely for doing the job of reporting the news, even reporting on controversial events such as protests by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement," said Steven Butler, the CPJ Asia programme coordinator. A local official confirmed the arrest of the journalist along with 22 others, saying Wazir had violated a public order ordinance for taking part in PTM protests. The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings, during the military's fight against insurgents. Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan MP accuses officials of lying about clash between activists, military

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mps-led-group-attacks-army-check-post-3-killed-15-injured-221806"> Pakistani troops </a>and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border.

The activists were part of a demonstration organised on Sunday by the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene early last year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns.

Two members of parliament were leading the protest when a confrontation broke out at a security checkpoint at Boya, in the North Waziristan region.

"The Pakistan government must immediately order an independent and effective investigation," said Rabia Mehmood, South Asia Researcher at Amnesty, in a statement on Monday.

"If the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law."

What exactly led to the confrontation remains murky, with the military saying the activists assaulted the checkpoint, while PTM leader Mohsin Dawar -- one of the MPs at the protest -- has alleged security forces fired directly into their group after they passed the post.

The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan.

The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

Sunday's incident occurred in North Waziristan, where the movement is believed to draw much of its support. The area was once plagued by militancy, and Washington pressured Pakistan for years to act against Islamist groups based there.

The army has carried out multiple operations in North Waziristan and other tribal regions, and security -- both there and across Pakistan -- has dramatically improved in recent years.

However, the PTM claims the operations came at a heavy price because of the alleged abuses.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between Pakistani troops and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between Pakistani troops and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border. The activists were part of a demonstration organised on Sunday by the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene early last year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns. Two members of parliament were leading the protest when a confrontation broke out at a security checkpoint at Boya, in the North Waziristan region. "The Pakistan government must immediately order an independent and effective investigation," said Rabia Mehmood, South Asia Researcher at Amnesty, in a statement on Monday. "If the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law." What exactly led to the confrontation remains murky, with the military saying the activists assaulted the checkpoint, while PTM leader Mohsin Dawar -- one of the MPs at the protest -- has alleged security forces fired directly into their group after they passed the post. The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan. The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi. Sunday's incident occurred in North Waziristan, where the movement is believed to draw much of its support. The area was once plagued by militancy, and Washington pressured Pakistan for years to act against Islamist groups based there. The army has carried out multiple operations in North Waziristan and other tribal regions, and security -- both there and across Pakistan -- has dramatically improved in recent years. However, the PTM claims the operations came at a heavy price because of the alleged abuses.

Amnesty calls for probe into Pakistan activist killings

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line".

Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the armed forces were watching the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) closely.

He told reporters in Islamabad the military has given the PTM space to protest as Pashtuns, especially those living in Pakistan's northwest, have suffered disproportionately during Pakistan's long battle with militancy.

But, he added, patience is wearing thin.&nbsp;

"We realise their grief, their hardships, but (they) should not cross those lines, where the state has to use its force to control the situation," he said.

The PTM has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene earlier this year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes that Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

The army has carried out multiple operations in the region, and security there and across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years.

But the military maintains a heavy presence there still, and the PTM has unleashed festering anger over the alleged abuses against Pashtuns across the country, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line.

Two of its leaders were elected to parliament in the July election which brought cricketer Imran Khan, who has Pashtun heritage, to power.&nbsp;

Ghafoor said that progress was being made on some of the issues raised by the movement, including a reduction in checkposts in the tribal areas, clearance of mines, and the tracing of missing persons.&nbsp;

"From 7,000 cases (of missing persons), over 4,000 cases have been resolved," he said.

Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddle both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest and a significant population in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line".

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line". Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the armed forces were watching the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) closely. He told reporters in Islamabad the military has given the PTM space to protest as Pashtuns, especially those living in Pakistan's northwest, have suffered disproportionately during Pakistan's long battle with militancy. But, he added, patience is wearing thin. "We realise their grief, their hardships, but (they) should not cross those lines, where the state has to use its force to control the situation," he said. The PTM has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene earlier this year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes that Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network. The army has carried out multiple operations in the region, and security there and across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years. But the military maintains a heavy presence there still, and the PTM has unleashed festering anger over the alleged abuses against Pashtuns across the country, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line. Two of its leaders were elected to parliament in the July election which brought cricketer Imran Khan, who has Pashtun heritage, to power. Ghafoor said that progress was being made on some of the issues raised by the movement, including a reduction in checkposts in the tribal areas, clearance of mines, and the tracing of missing persons. "From 7,000 cases (of missing persons), over 4,000 cases have been resolved," he said. Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddle both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest and a significant population in the southern port city of Karachi.

Don't cross the line, Pakistan army warns Pashtun activist group

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation.

According to their study, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has been demanding basic human rights for the Pashtun community in Pakistan and the release of disappeared individuals, allegedly abducted by the country's intelligence agencies.

Pashteen asserted on his belief in the rule of law and his demand included presenting the disappeared persons in court, which should be the only grounds to gauge their culpability for the alleged crimes.

Another one of the PTM's demands is the abolishment of the Front Crimes Regulations (FCR), a law which was enacted by the British Empire in an attempt to cease any rebellion by the Pashtuns. The FCR has been deemed by many as a 'legal tool' to violate human rights of the Pashtun community in Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while commenting on the FCR, said that it is "obnoxious to all recognized modern principles governing the dispensation of justice".

Former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, amended the FCR in 2011, yet it has been castigated for its lack of effectiveness and implementation of the revised law.

The study also mentioned the apparent blackout by the Pakistan media during the rally held by Pashtun Youth in Peshawar on April 8, wherein Pashteen delivered an impassionate speech.

"This attitude of the Pakistani media has been a recurring phenomenon when Baloch, Sindhis and Kashmiris have made demands for justice and protested against exploitation of their resources. Often, such protests and demands are conveniently branded as 'Anti-national'and quickly claimed to be supported by 'foreign hands'," the study noted.

According to the study, international experts and analysts say that the reasons behind the inaction of the Pakistani media are closely linked with the military establishments. The media is intimidated with grave consequences it may face if it provides coverage to anything which puts the powerful Military rulers of Pakistan in a bad light.

"Attacks on journalists, like the one on Hamid Mir in 2014 because of extensive reporting on the Taliban, attributed to 'unidentified gunmen', but believed to have been carried out by intelligence agencies, further substantiate this notion," the study added.

Furthermore, in an attempt to bury incidents of human rights violations, the Army and other intelligence agencies often commit more human rights violations. It has been reported that the Police have filed criminal cases against Pashteen for criticizing the government and security agencies.

The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement was started mainly by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions.

They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation

The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) lent their voice to the ongoing Pashtun struggle in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles the people of the minority community face in the military-controlled nation. According to their study, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has been demanding basic human rights for the Pashtun community in Pakistan and the release of disappeared individuals, allegedly abducted by the country's intelligence agencies. Pashteen asserted on his belief in the rule of law and his demand included presenting the disappeared persons in court, which should be the only grounds to gauge their culpability for the alleged crimes. Another one of the PTM's demands is the abolishment of the Front Crimes Regulations (FCR), a law which was enacted by the British Empire in an attempt to cease any rebellion by the Pashtuns. The FCR has been deemed by many as a 'legal tool' to violate human rights of the Pashtun community in Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while commenting on the FCR, said that it is "obnoxious to all recognized modern principles governing the dispensation of justice". Former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, amended the FCR in 2011, yet it has been castigated for its lack of effectiveness and implementation of the revised law. The study also mentioned the apparent blackout by the Pakistan media during the rally held by Pashtun Youth in Peshawar on April 8, wherein Pashteen delivered an impassionate speech. "This attitude of the Pakistani media has been a recurring phenomenon when Baloch, Sindhis and Kashmiris have made demands for justice and protested against exploitation of their resources. Often, such protests and demands are conveniently branded as 'Anti-national'and quickly claimed to be supported by 'foreign hands'," the study noted. According to the study, international experts and analysts say that the reasons behind the inaction of the Pakistani media are closely linked with the military establishments. The media is intimidated with grave consequences it may face if it provides coverage to anything which puts the powerful Military rulers of Pakistan in a bad light. "Attacks on journalists, like the one on Hamid Mir in 2014 because of extensive reporting on the Taliban, attributed to 'unidentified gunmen', but believed to have been carried out by intelligence agencies, further substantiate this notion," the study added. Furthermore, in an attempt to bury incidents of human rights violations, the Army and other intelligence agencies often commit more human rights violations. It has been reported that the Police have filed criminal cases against Pashteen for criticizing the government and security agencies. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement was started mainly by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions. They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

European think tank highlights struggles of Pashtun community in Pakistan