On Saturday, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced the formation of a commission to conduct a “transparent” investigation into the violence that erupted at a peace rally in Bannu the previous day, according to a provincial spokesperson.
The rally, attended by thousands demanding enhanced security, ended in tragedy when gunfire triggered a stampede, resulting in one death and 22 injuries. The event, organized by local traders and political parties, featured participants waving white flags symbolizing peace.
Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated when the crowd advanced toward the Bannu cantonment, setting fire to security force tents protecting a damaged wall from a recent terrorist attack.
Authorities quickly moved to restore order, convening a jirga of local elders. Activists and rights organizations condemned the violence, claiming the death toll was higher than reported.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif assured on X that the situation in Bannu was under control and security was heightened in “sensitive areas.” He announced that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had established a commission to investigate the incident impartially, promising legal action based on the findings. Saif urged the public to exercise caution amid rising terrorism and avoid spreading unverified information.
The PTI core committee also condemned the violence, directing the KP provincial government to ensure a transparent inquiry and punish those responsible for the deaths. The party accused the security forces of firing on a peaceful demonstration, which was a unified stance against a new anti-terrorism operation.
Earlier this week, a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment, attributed to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group from Afghanistan, killed eight military personnel. The Foreign Office demanded immediate action from the Afghan government and summoned its deputy head of mission to deliver a “strong demarche.”
Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have been strained due to the presence of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group and frequent border skirmishes. Despite recent efforts to ease tensions, including a meeting between Afghan and Pakistani officials in Doha, challenges remain.
