Thousands rally in Bajaur, Lower Dir
A massive peace rally was organized in Bajaur to protest the rising lawlessness in the region, drawing thousands of participants. Prominent attendees included MNA Mubarak Zeb Khan, MPAs and DDAC Chairman Dr Hamidur Rehman, Anwar Zeb Khan, Nisar Baz, Tehsil Chairmen Haji Syed Badshah and Dr Khalilur Rehman, former MNAs Shahabuddin Khan, Syed Akhunzada Chattan, and Gul Dad Khan, along with tribal elders Malik Sultan Zeb, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, Maulana Waheed Gul, Haji Sardar Khan, Malik Khalid Khan, and representatives of various organizations.
Speakers at the event criticized successive military operations conducted in Bajaur under different names over the years, claiming they had failed to restore peace.
They condemned the government's backtracking on promises made during the merger of the tribal areas and accused authorities of imposing taxes that threaten the remaining livelihoods of locals.
The participants also denounced the formation of a new government committee, saying it appeared to be a distraction, with talk of reviving outdated systems like the Jirga.
In a joint declaration at the rally's conclusion, the people of Bajaur rejected the ongoing violence and what they called oppressive treatment by the state.
They warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch a peaceful protest march and sit-in.
The declaration also rejected the imposition of all types of taxes on tribal areas and the formation of the said committee.
The rally strongly condemned the recent assassination of Awami National Party leader Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and held a collective prayer for his soul.
Meanwhile, a peaceful rally was held in the Kambat Maidan area of Lower Dir under the leadership of Advocate Jabar Khan, drawing a large number of participants.
The rally aimed to raise awareness about the growing insecurity in the region and to highlight public concerns.
Addressing the gathering, speakers including Rasheed Afghan, Wakeel Khan, Taimoor Khan Afghan, Ezaaz, Nawabzada Jawad Ali, and Ahmad Pashtun emphasized that the people of Lower Dir desire lasting peace. However, the ongoing incidents of violence have left the community deeply distressed.
They condemned the brutal killing of Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace in the area.
The speakers stressed that the public can no longer tolerate further unrest and reminded the authorities of their responsibility to protect citizens.
The rally concluded peacefully, with participants vowing to continue raising their voices for their rights.
Tribesmen and peace activists are holding protest rallies against the increasing lawlessness in several districts of K-P, demanding implementation of national action plan.
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