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Pashtun Tahafuz Movement’s (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen speaks in an exclusive interview with Voice of America’s Urdu Service (VOA) and VOA Deewa Radio ( Pashto Service) earlier this week on Monday, on the misinformation which is making rounds about the source of PTM’s funding.
Speaking to VOA Pashteen explained that anyone from the media or any personnel from defense can come and see how their funding works.
“We have donation boxes in our gatherings and they (media) should come and see how people are willing to donate for the movement.”
Pashteen added that, “people living here are vexed and wants to take any kind of measures to halt the on-going situation (war).”
He further stated that, their movement does not need any funding at all, giving an example, Pashteen stated that their last gathering was in Miramshah and there were no lavish arrangements that could reflect on the money spent on such crowd, he added that, people either sit on the ground or stand throughout the gathering.
Pashteen appeared in the VOA’s interview hours after DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor’s media briefing on Monday. Asif Ghafoor gave a stern warning to the PTM leadership for “playing in the hands of the enemy”.
Answering to questions about DG ISPR’s media briefing and about the source of PTM’s funding, Pashteen said that, “these are all part of their propagandas and they have done this in the past, if there is such person present in Kandahar and is taking funds from outer sources, I’d be the first person to file in an FIR against him.”
“These are just falsified accusations against defaming the name of our movement,” Pashteen added.
“PTM is an anti-terrorist movement, if anyone who is accusing PTM is promoting terrorism,” Pashteen insisted.
Speaking about the DG ISPR’s warning about taking a strict action will be taken against PTM, Pashteen asked, “what law are they talking about? We have suffered a lot throughout our movement’s activities such as crack downs, countless harassment to our supporters and friends in Karachi.”
“We have never met any anti-Pakistani forces, we have met the Pakistani leaders, we have met Imran Khan,” Pashteen added.
“We have been clear we are against exploitation, whether it is Taliban or anyone else. Anyone who is spreading cruelty or exploiting someone
This is the first time the military spoke against the PTM’s movement and their protests, insisting in his media briefing DG ISPR Ghafoor stated that the armed forces are working tirelessly to resolve their issues.
Major General Asif Ghafoor also accused PTM for their external fundings from Afghanistan’s secret agency, National Directorate of Security (NDS) and India’s RAW.
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