The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Interior Ministry has released a detailed report on the recent violent protests in Bannu and the attack on a security forces supply depot.
The report states that on July 19, a gathering of traders and political activists in Bannu turned violent when some individuals, disguised as protesters, began throwing stones at security forces. Police intervened to control the situation, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 25 others.
Following the incident, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan ordered authorities to engage with the protesters peacefully. On July 20th, provincial ministers and officials were sent to negotiate with the protesters. The Chief Minister also ordered an inquiry into the incident.
A 40-member jirga (council) was formed to resolve the issue amicably. The jirga met with local administration officials, including the Commissioner, RPO, Deputy Commissioner, and DPO Bannu, to discuss the protesters’ demands. The report states that the government is considering the demands and will address those that can be resolved immediately. The Chief Minister is personally overseeing the situation.
The report also details the attack on the security forces supply depot in Bannu. According to the report, a suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives detonated himself at the main gate of the depot, killing 8 security personnel and 3 civilians.
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The report states that the Pakistan Army responded swiftly and bravely to the attack, killing the heavily armed attackers. The ministry condemns the attack, attributing it to foreign elements operating across the border. It also condemns the financial support provided to the attackers by foreign entities.
