KP Government to Form Commission for 'Transparent' Probe into Violence at Bannu Rally

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government announced on Saturday the establishment of a commission to conduct a "transparent" investigation into the violence that erupted at a peace rally in Bannu. The provincial spokesperson provided this update following the incident that left one person dead and 22 others injured.

Background of the Incident

On Friday, gunfire during a peace march in Bannu city caused a stampede, leading to the casualties. The rally, attended by thousands, was organized by local traders and political parties to demand increased security in the district. Participants carried white flags, symbolizing their call for peace.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions rose when the crowd marched towards the Bannu cantonment and set fire to tents erected by security forces to protect a wall damaged in a terrorist attack the previous week. In response to the escalating violence, local authorities convened a jirga of local elders to help restore order.

Reactions and Condemnations

The violent outbreak was condemned by activists and rights organizations, who suggested that the actual death toll was higher than officially reported. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) core committee also denounced the violence and instructed the KP provincial government to ensure a transparent inquiry and to hold those responsible accountable.

In a statement on X, KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif assured that the situation in Bannu was under control, with security heightened in sensitive areas. He announced that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had formed a commission to investigate the incident impartially and to submit a report. Saif emphasized that legal action would be taken based on the findings of the commission.

Saif urged the public to exercise caution amidst the "rising wave of terrorism" and to avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in negative propaganda. He called for patience until the commission's report is released.

Public Response and Sit-in

In response to the incident, residents staged a sit-in outside the Bannu Police Line Chowk, near the main entrance of the cantonment, demanding a thorough investigation into the firing. Key organizers of the sit-in, including Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Nasir Khan Bangash, Ghulam Qibaz Khan, and Abdul Rauf Qureshi, addressed the gathering.

"We had staged a rally for peace yesterday and will do the same again and again," said one speaker. "We do not accept the office of any armed group in Bannu," he added. Another speaker emphasized the need for authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining peace.

Participants also expressed frustration over the shutdown of mobile networks and internet services following the firing. They noted that Wi-Fi and landline phone systems were also suspended, causing significant inconvenience.

Context of the Bannu Attack

Earlier in the week, a terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment resulted in the deaths of eight military personnel. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, operating from Afghanistan, was blamed for the attack. In response, the Pakistani Foreign Office demanded robust action from the Afghan interim government against the perpetrators.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained, primarily due to the activities of the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and frequent border skirmishes. In a recent effort to ease tensions, leaders from the Afghanistan interim government and Pakistani officials held a meeting in Doha. Taliban leader Zabihullah Mujahid described the meeting as positive and expressed hope for improved relations with Pakistan.

The formation of the commission by the KP government is a critical step towards addressing the violence in Bannu and ensuring accountability for the tragic events that unfolded during the peace rally.