BANNU, Pakistan—Hundreds of people gathered in the Bannu area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, July 19, to protest against ongoing violence in their region. The demonstrators chanted anti-terrorism and security slogans, branding the gathering as a “peace rally.”
Organizers of the protest said on social media that the protest turned violent when the Pakistani military opened fire on the crowd, resulting in casualties.
According to them, at least two people were killed and over 15 others wounded.
Local witnesses said that shots fired during the rally forced protesters to disperse, with at least six people injured and rushed to a local hospital.
Manzoor Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), noted on X that the Pakistani army had opened fire on what he described as a “peaceful protest.”
The demonstration in Bannu came in the wake of a militant attack on a military base in the area on Monday, July 15.
The attack, claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, was launched from neighboring Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani military.
Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, exacerbating tensions between the two countries. Security forces from both nations have clashed at the border in recent years.
The protest underscores the growing frustration and fear among residents in this remote region, which has been a hotspot for militant activity.
