PESHAWAR: Political tensions continue to simmer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of Governor’s Rule, while protest attempts by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Bara and Jamrud areas of Khyber district have reportedly failed to draw significant participation.
According to sources, the number of protesters in both areas remained extremely low. At several locations, the number of onlookers on the streets was reportedly higher than that of people participating in the demonstrations.
An unfortunate incident of unrest and gunfire occurred during a protest against Governor’s Rule in Alam Gudar, Bara. According to security sources, a protester was seriously injured after being caught in indiscriminate firing allegedly carried out by one of his own fellow demonstrators.
The incident triggered panic among the protesters, many of whom attempted to disperse from the scene.
Police officials said that personnel deployed on duty were also targeted in the firing. Police responded promptly, arresting the individuals allegedly involved in the shooting at the scene and cordoning off the area to bring the situation under control.
Reacting to the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber issued a firm warning, stating that no compromise would be made on maintaining law and order.
He cautioned that strict legal action would be taken without discrimination against anyone who took the law into their own hands, attacked police personnel or posed a threat to public safety.
Residents of Bara said that the alleged firing by fellow protesters, coupled with the public’s apparent lack of interest, had dealt a serious blow to PTI’s protest narrative in the area.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert following the imposition of Governor’s Rule. Officials maintain that the security situation is under control and that measures are in place to maintain peace and prevent further incidents.
