Finally sacrifices and grievances of Pashtuns have been recognized, a naya KPK has come into being. Majority of Pakistanis have celebrated this milestone as their representatives, in three different legislative bodies, have confirmed the merger of FATA into the KPK. The oppressive FCR and FATA are no more and now a naya KPK exists.

The foreign masters of PTM are in complete shock because they never expected such a swift and collaborative action by civil and military leadership of Pakistan.

The beginning of a new KPK will also be the end of PTM because merger with KPK was the most popular demand of Pashtuns but PTM focused on maligning the Pakistan armed forces instead and as a result, the support for PTM has diminished.

Role of the PPP

Many analysts now believe that PPP is behind the rise of the PTM. The recent announcement of Farhatullah Babar’s joining the PTM reconciliatory jirga that is going to mediate between PTM and govt.

Why would PTM request PPP to nominate Babar to the jirga? Other unpopular parties, ANP and the PkMAP, are also part of the jirga. It is now clear that PPP is trying to get all anti-PTI vote on a platform to take most advantage during elections, however, in doing so the PPP has colluded with anti-Pakistan forces as well.

It is unfortunate that a political party like the PPP has resorted to such acts for the sake of elections and to gain support from foreign elements.

Some people even claim that the murder of Naqeebullah Mehsud by Rao Anwar, a police officer close to Zardari, is part of a larger conspiracy to instigate the Pashtuns in area formerly known as FATA.

What is the agenda of the PPP?

• Support the agenda of Afghan govt regarding the Durand Line
• Negatively impact progress of the CPEC project
• Gain leverage and reach compromise with NAB and other institutions in the cases against PPP leadership

All of the above speculations need to be thoroughly investigated.

Should the army negotiate with PTM?

No, this is mostly a provincial issue and it must be dealt by the provincial govt and jirga. Realistic chances are that PTI will return as the winning party to form the provincial govt. The PTI MPs and local politicians will be in a far better position to negotiate with any entity including PTM. Besides, PTM has become irrelevant after the merger of FATA. The best course of action is to wait till the end of elections. Let’s not give undue attention to PTM.

Last month, the Real Agenda of PTM was discussed and published by CommandEleven and next steps were proposed.