Under MPO: Bangash tribes protest elder’s arrest

Hangu DC said negotiations with the district nazim were under way and efforts for Qasim’s release were being made.

HANGU:

A large number of people from seven Bangash tribes took to the streets on Wednesday against the arrest of Hafiz Qasim, a local elder, by the police in Anar China area of Hangu. The protesters blocked GT Road leading to Kurram Agency, Kohat, Peshawar and Rawalpindi, disrupting traffic and stranding passengers for over four hours.

Bangash Ittehad representative Hafiz Qasim had raised his voice earlier in protest, stating it was the right of locals to get a steady supply from and access to gas reserves found in Anar China. However, the Saddar police took him into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

Protesters on Wednesday urged the police to release him immediately and threatened to continue their protests in case their demand was not paid heed to. However, Hangu Deputy Commissioner told The Express Tribune negotiations with the district nazim were under way and efforts for Qasim’s release were being made.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2016.