Fatal shooting triggers protests in Janni Khel

Protests have erupted in Janni Khel, Bannu, following a fatal incident where local security forces shot and killed an individual who failed to comply with a routine inspection.

According to local residents who spoke to The Express Tribune, security forces were engaged in a search operation in Janni Khel.

During the operation, they encountered a young local man, whom they deemed suspicious and signaled to stop. Tragically, instead of complying, the man attempted to evade the situation, prompting the law enforcers to resort to gunfire.

The young man sustained critical injuries from the shooting and despite being rushed to CMH Bannu for medical treatment, he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

The incident sparked outrage among the community, compelling hundreds of family members and friends to gather for a sit-in protest against what they viewed as an unjustified and ruthless act of violence.

A local tribal elder shared, “Rather than resorting to lethal force, the teenage boy should have been apprehended, giving him the opportunity for due process. His untimely demise has left the community in shock.”

At the time of reporting, the protest was in full swing, with the district administration actively engaging with the demonstrators to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2023.