Jirga holds successful talks with top officials to ensure peace in Bannu

While expressing deep sense of shock and anguish over the two incidents of violence in Bannu District, on 15th of July followed by 19th of July tragedy where a few innocent people were killed and two dozen others wounded seriously, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has asked the public in general and the dwellers of Bannu not to allow any public-enemy and enemy of state of Pakistan to exploit such sensitive situations.

In a press note issued on Sunday, the KP government also urged the masses to not to pay attention to any negative propaganda and lies and have faith in their elected representatives, civil administration, police as well as the security forces of the country.

The government has also expressed satisfaction over the progress made in dialogues held between the 40-Member Jirga and the administration including the Commissioner, RPO, Deputy Commissioner and DPO Bannu and put forth their 16 points agenda.

It said the positive engagement of the Chief Minister and the Provincial Govt, supported by all stakeholders, that a 40-Member Jirga/ Committee has been constituted to find ut mutually acceptable ways forward.

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 Cant. Resultantly, eight (8) security personnel and three (03) civilians embraced martyrdom. Despite such a ruthless attack, the officers and troops of Pakistan Army responded valiantly and sent to hell all the heavily armed and trained attackers, who were backed by cross-border foreign elements. Such like 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 traders’ community along with political leaders and workers of different political parties and other organizations ended peacefully at Pretty Gate, Bannu City. Later on, the participants proceeded towards Sports Complex. However, some miscreants in garb of these protesters pelted stones on 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 endeavored its best to take them out of the sensitive area. However, during this melee, 01 individual regrettably lost his life while 25 got injured.

Taking notice of this untoward incident and cognizant of local traditions, the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed the District Administration and Police to engage the leaders of these protestors towards a peaceful, meaningful dialogue and the protestors later dispersed.