July 22, 2024
Staff Report
LAHORE
A sit-in staged by peace rally participants is now in its third day. They decided to protest in Bannu Police Lines after the rally was fired upon in Bannu on July 19. Protestors, including trade unions and members of Bannu’s civil, religious, and political society, have presented a charter of 10 demands to end their sit-in.
Their demands include shelving Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and empowering the KP police’s counter-terrorism department to eliminate Taliban bases. They also demand a judicial inquiry into the July 19 firing incident, and lifting the Internet restriction that has been in place
A 40-member jirga has reportedly engaged in negotiations with the local administration, including the commissioner, deputy commissioner, regional police officer, and divisional police officer. They have presented a 10-point agenda demanding immediate action on their concerns.
The situation has intensified as tensions between the PTI and the government have surfaced. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI members of opening fire during the rally, which he claims led to a stampede, resulting in one death and 22 injured.
CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur pointed out in the first meeting of the apex committee that some armed individuals, posing as government officials or claiming to represent government agencies, were roaming the area and interfering in government affairs.
The political blame game continues as both sides exchange accusations regarding the incident.