PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced on Saturday the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the yesterday’s outbreak of violence at a Bannu Peace March, which turned into a sit-in after the incident.
In a statement on X, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif assured that the situation in Bannu is under control and that security remains heightened in “sensitive areas.”
Saif stated that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has authorized the formation of the commission, which will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The commission will produce a report, and legal actions will be taken based on the findings of the commission.
He urged the public to exercise extreme caution amid the “rising wave of terrorism” and advised against spreading unverified information or engaging in “negative propaganda.” Saif emphasized that the public should await the commission’s report before making judgments.
پشاور: وزیر اعلی خیبر پختونخوا @AliAminKhanPTI
بنوں صورتحال کی خود نگرانی کررہے ہیں،وزیراعلٰی بنوں انتظامیہ اور ذمہ داران کے ساتھ مسلسل رابطے میں ہیں، صوبائی حکومت کے بروقت اقدامات کی بدولت صورتحال قابو میں ہے، افسوسناک واقعہ کے فوری بعد وزیراعلٰی کے حکم پر ضلعی انتظامیہ، سیاسی… pic.twitter.com/cPwWtENYs9— Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif (@BaristerDrSaif) July 20, 2024
At least four people were killed and 22 others were injured when gunfire caused a stampede at a march in Bannu city on Friday.
The gathering was attended by thousands who were demanding security in the district. The peace rally, organised by local traders and Bannu Olasi Pasoon, saw participants waving white flags as symbols of peace.
Eyewitnesses said that tensions escalated when the crowd marched towards the Bannu cantonment, setting fire to tents set up by security forces to guard a portion of a wall damaged in a terrorist attack last week.
As tensions flared, local authorities scrambled to restore order. The administration and police convened a jirga of local elders to pacify the situation.
The violence was condemned by activists and rights organisations including Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Bannu Peace March, which has now turned into a sit-in, entered its second day with thousands from Bannu and neighboring districts participating
