KP govt orders probe into Bannu violence

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Sunday expressed deep shock and anguish at the two incidents of violence in the Bannu district on the 15th and 19th of July. A press note issued by the Home & Tribal Affairs Department of the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said:

“Deep shock and anguish are expressed at the two incidents of violence in Bannu district, on 15th of July followed by 19th of July.

“On 15th July 2024, in the early hours (4.40 am) an unknown suicide bomber in an explosive-laden vehicle exploded himself at the main gate of Pakistan Army Supply Depot situated at Juma Khan Road, in jurisdiction of Police Station Cantt. Resultantly, eight (8) security personnel and three (03) civilians embraced martyrdom. Despite such a ruthless attack, the officers and troops of the Pakistan Army responded valiantly and sent to hell all the heavily armed and trained attackers, who were backed by cross-border foreign elements.”

“Such attacks on our security forces, and police by terrorists, funded and financed from abroad, are condemned in the strongest words, and we, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stand firm with our law-enforcement agencies and share their pain and the grief of the bereaved families of shuhada and injured.

“Thereafter, on 19th July the gathering of the trader community along with political leaders and workers of different political parties and other organizations ended peacefully at Pretty Gate, Bannu city. Later, the participants proceeded towards Sports Complex. However, some miscreants in the garb of these protesters threw stones at the security forces supply depot, set ablaze the tents erected in place of the demolished wall of the depot and resorted to small arms fire.

“The police deployed there took stock of the situation and endeavoured its best to take them out of the sensitive area. However, during this melee, one individual regrettably lost his life while 25 got injured.

“Taking notice of this untoward incident and being cognizant of local traditions, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister directed the district administration and police to engage the leaders of these protestors towards a peaceful, meaningful dialogue and the protestors later dispersed.

“Yesterday, on the 20th of July, the chief minister assigned the provincial minister and other parliamentarians to engage with the protest leaders with the clear stance that this government will support a multi-stakeholder engagement. Simultaneously, the chief minister and provincial government have decided to hold a formal inquiry into the incident, bringing out the actual facts and all those who transgressed the limits of law.

“In fact, it was this positive engagement of the chief minister and the provincial government, supported by all stakeholders, that a 40-member Jirga/ Committee has been constituted to find out mutually acceptable way forward. Towards that end, the members of jirga are appreciated.

“Today, 40-Member Jirga held negotiation with the administration including the commissioner, RPO, deputy commissioner and DPO of Bannu and put forth their 16 points agenda.

“These points are now under active consideration and those which can be resolved and agreed to at the commissioner/administration level will be done so as soon as possible. The chief minister is himself overseeing the progress and will also render a policy statement at an appropriate time.

“We appreciate the efforts of the jirga, and urge the general public to have faith in their elected representatives, civil administration, police and security agencies and not allow any enemy of the public and that of the state of Pakistan to exploit such sensitive situations. We further urge the general public not to pay attention to any negative propaganda and lies. Let us all move forward towards ensuring peace and prosperity in our motherland.”