PTI supporters ignite celebratory gunfire
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights disturbed by pattern of harassment, arrests, and prolonged detentions of leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and their supporters during the election period. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
PESHAWAR. Intense celebratory firing was witnessed across Peshawar after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supported independent candidates showed a clear cut lead on their opponents in initial unofficial results.
PTI supporters started celebrating their victory from the evening despite the fact that the just 10 to 15 per cent vote counting had been completed and they started firing in the air. The aerial firing was coupled with dancing and music which turned the entire city a festive mood.
Large crowds of party workers celebrating their victory could be seen everywhere across the city especially at the residence of PTI backed candidates.
Chief Minister Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah has requested the winning candidates and their supporters to stop aerial firing and also directed the police to take strict action against those involved in aerial firing across the province.
He said that no one would be allowed to play with innocent lives by going for celebratory firing. The chief minister added that the victory by the candidates could be celebrated without firing.
Despite these instructions, PTI supporters and workers remained engaged in intense aerial firing.
Police arrested several people on the charges of aerial firing and put them behind bars. FIRs have been registered against them.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th 2024.