Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in northwest Pakistan, staging a sit-in protest following reports that the military fired on participants of a “peace march” in Bannu district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, on July 19. The protestors are demanding accountability and assurances of restored peace in the region.
Leaders of the rally claim that the Pakistani military opened fire on the peace march, which was organized amid a recent surge in militant attacks. According to doctors at the Bannu district hospital cited in a RFE (Radio Free Europe) report, one person was killed and 27 others were injured during the incident.
Internet access has been curtailed
The Pakistani military has not yet responded to the allegations of its involvement in the violence. In response to the unrest, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has shut down mobile and Internet services in the Bannu district and announced the formation of an investigative commission on July 20.
Nasir Bangash, a leader of the sit-in protest, reportedly stated that the demonstration will continue until the government guarantees that peace can be restored in the volatile province.
Amnesty International condemns use of lethal force
Amnesty International condemned the use of lethal force against the peaceful rally, calling it “unlawful” and demanding a prompt investigation to “hold to account officials responsible for the attack.” The organization also criticized the restrictions on mobile and Internet services.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) echoed these concerns, urging the government to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths and injuries of protesters. In a statement on X, HRCP described the violence as a “state-sanctioned violation of citizens’ right to life and right to freedom of peaceful assembly.”
On July 19, the provincial assembly of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa condemned the violence against “peaceful protesters”. Demonstrations have spread to other cities, including the regional capital, Peshawar. Pashtun nationalist political parties have also denounced the use of force against the protesters.
Here is what you need to know
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province has experienced a rise in deadly attacks over the past two years, attributed largely to Islamist extremist groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates. Recent months have seen a number of deadly incidents, including an attack on July 15 where eight Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed by a militant driving an explosive-laden vehicle into a garrison in Bannu.
Residents of the province have expressed frustration with the perceived lack of security measures from Islamabad and concern over the potential for large-scale military operations in the region.
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