Tensions escalated dramatically on Friday in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), as a peaceful protest demanding regional peace turned violent, resulting in gunfire that left several dead and injured. Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, K-P government's spokesperson, confirmed the unfortunate turn of events.
In a video statement posted on X, Saif explained that the protest, organised by various social organisations, traders, and political parties, aimed to demand peace in the area.
The protest followed a terrorist attack earlier in the week on Bannu Cantonment, which resulted in the deaths of eight military personnel. The attack was attributed to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group operating from Afghanistan.
According to AFP, the rally saw over 10,000 people waving white flags and calling for peace, expressing frustration that despite two decades of military operations, stability had not been achieved. Protesters emphasised that military actions alone could not replace the need for genuine peace.
Read: Eight soldiers martyred as security forces thwart terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment
Saif stated that while Pakistan is a democratic country where peaceful protests are a right, no one is allowed to break the law. "Unfortunately, some unpleasant events occurred during the protest, escalating into gunfire, resulting in casualties," he stated without specifying the number of deaths or injuries.
K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took immediate notice of the incident, instructing the local administration to address the situation.
Officials, including the Bannu commissioner and deputy commissioner, engaged with protest leaders to bring the situation under control. A jirga was also convened to restore peace and security.
The K-P government announced compensation for the victims, with further details to be provided soon. K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed concern over the incident, calling for a factual and reasoned approach to the situation and demanding a report from federal and provincial authorities.
In response to the violence, the K-P Health Department declared a health emergency in all public sector hospitals in Bannu. Muhammad Numan, a spokesperson for three government hospitals in the district, confirmed one death and 27 injuries.
Read More: Pakistan demands ‘decisive’ action from Afghanistan against terrorists after Bannu terror attack
Rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), condemned the incident, with HRCP claiming a higher death toll of at least five. They demanded immediate engagement with the protesters and accountability for those responsible for the violence.
Leaders from various political parties called for an independent judicial inquiry into the incident. PTI leaders emphasised the need for a thorough investigation and accountability, asserting that the desire for peace is a fundamental right.
JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghori and Awami National Party President Aimal Wali Khan also condemned the violence, calling for judicial inquiries and terming the incident "shameful."
The KP Assembly convened to address the situation, with members urging the government to take decisive action to restore peace and ensure public safety.
Provincial minister Dr Amjad Khan announced the formation of a committee to investigate the incident while K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Salim Swati called for a collaborative approach to resolve the issue.
The session was adjourned until Monday as the province grapples with the aftermath of the violent protest and seeks ways to prevent further escalation.
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