Thousands of protesters gathered in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday to demonstrate against ongoing violence in their region. The protest rally, dubbed a “Peace March,” turned violent when Pakistani military forces reportedly opened fire on the crowd, resulting in multiple casualties.
According to protest organizers, at least five people were killed and dozens more were injured. Local witnesses said the violence erupted when demonstrators approached a military installation, prompting the forces to open fire.
Provincial Minister of Public Health, Pakhtun Yar, confirmed the fatalities and accused the Pakistani forces of targeting protesters. “During the rally, direct shots were fired at me and the people standing near me. It wasn’t just aerial firing; the intention was to kill us,” he told AFP.
Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), posted on social media platform X that Pakistani forces had opened fire on what he described as a “peaceful protest.”
Prominent Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch condemned the shooting, calling it part of a broader campaign of oppression. “The attack on the rally against terrorism in Bannu is a continuation of the Pashtun genocide that has been ongoing for several decades,” she said. “When people take to the streets to demand peace, the state massacres them.”
Dr. Baloch also highlighted similar struggles in Balochistan, where protests against state actions are often met with violence. “In both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thousands are protesting against state oppression and tyranny. The state responds with violence instead of addressing the genocide of the Baloch and Pashtun people,” she stated.
She criticized the mainstream media and political figures for their silence on these issues, accusing them of focusing solely on the region’s resources. “The mainstream media, journalists, and politicians are maintaining a criminal silence. They only see the resources of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while turning a blind eye to the ongoing brutality,” she added.
Dr. Baloch called for greater unity between the Baloch and Pashtun people, urging them to stand together against oppression. “We will end this brutality through our joint struggle on our land,” she said.