A sit-in by residents of Hoshab on the M-8 Highway entered its second day on Monday as families of the injured and deceased children demanded action against the security personnel allegedly involved in a mortar strike that hit a civilian home.
The protest began after a mortar round on Saturday night, reportedly fired from a nearby Frontier Corps camp, landed on a residential house, injuring five girls. One of them, Yasmeen daughter of Nasir, later succumbed to her injuries. The incident triggered widespread anger, prompting locals to block both sides of the M-8 Highway and launch a sit-in that remains ongoing.
Protesters say they will not end their demonstration until those responsible are arrested and the affected family is provided justice. Traffic on the highway remains completely suspended, and tension continues to grip the area.
On Sunday morning, reports emerged of gunfire by unidentified armed individuals near the protest site, injuring one man in the leg. Demonstrators said the shooting has heightened the sense of insecurity that has prevailed since the mortar incident.
Participants at the sit-in insist that the strike – and the subsequent firing incident – reflect growing concerns about safety in the region. They say the protest will continue until their demands are met and accountability is ensured.