By: Abbas Khan
BAJAUR: Violent protests erupted in the Bajaur district, Khaar city, after the killing of the Awami National Party’s leader, Maulana Khanzeb, on Thursday afternoon.
Maulana Khanzeb was gunned down when he was campaigning in the area for a peace parade scheduled on July 13.
Local activists and workers of the Awami National Party came out onto the streets while placing the dead body of Maulana Khanzeb on the road to record their protest against his murder and the instability in the area.
Protesters shouted slogans condemning law enforcement agencies for their failure to maintain peace in the region. They also attacked government buildings and hurled stones at government structures.
In response, personnel from the Bajaur Scouts (Frontier Corps) used tear gas to disperse the stone-throwing protesters.
As the situation worsened following the killing of an ANP leader, the violent protesters also pelted stones at the district police officer’s office.
The Awami National Party’s central leader, Aimal Wali and local leaders of the various political parties have condemned the killing of Maulana Khanzeb and termed it a failure of the state to maintain peace in the province.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has condemned the shooting of ANP leader Maulana Khan Zeb. He expressed his sorrow over the tragic deaths of Maulana Khan Zeb and another individual in the incident. The Governor extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased. He also prayed for the forgiveness of the departed souls and for patience for their loved ones. Faisal Karim Kundi shared in the grief of the bereaved families during this difficult time.
