ISLAMABAD: Thousands of protesters continued their sit-in protest for the second consecutive day in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Bannu on Sunday against a shooting incident allegedly by the Pakistan army two days ago which triggered a stampede resulting in casualties and injuries of civilians.
At least two people were killed and more than 20 injured when fire was opened on protesters on Friday.Local residents and some Pakistani politicians blamed the security forces for the shooting. Following the attack, thousands of protesters staged a sit-in protest on Saturday, demanding peace and an end to further military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, currently ruled by Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
“Talks are being held between the district administration and local elders to restore durable peace in the area,” KP govt spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif said in a statement. “A meeting of elders will soon be arranged with the chief minister.”
The federal government on Sunday accused the PTI govt of politicising the Bannu incident, alleging that PTI workers were involved in the protest rally that led to civilian casualties. “PTI attempted to disrupt the peaceful protest in Bannu and incite violence,” information minister Attaullah Tarar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.