PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly recently voiced their grievances regarding a series of violent events, reflecting the ongoing political and sectarian tensions within the region. A primary discussion focused on an incident involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters that occurred in late November at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, which resulted in significant casualties and allegations of state-sponsored violence.
During the assembly session, PTI representatives claimed over 100 supporters were killed and many others went missing or were injured during a protest at D-Chowk on November 26. They accused the force used by law enforcement of being indiscriminate, targeting peaceful demonstrators. In light of these events, the PTI also signaled their intent to organize another march to Islamabad to demand the release of their incarcerated leader, promising a different approach this time around.
Opposition members and those from other parties raised their concerns as well, highlighting multiple violent incidents, including the historical Babra massacre and recent sectarian clashes in Kurram District. Riaz Shaheen of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F from Kurram accused both provincial and federal governments of failing to prevent the bloodshed that started on November 22 in Kurram, claiming it resulted in over 132 deaths.
Nisar Baz Khan, representing the Awami National Party, criticized the PTI’s handling of young protesters, accusing them of exploiting youth for political maneuvers against the federal government. According to Khan, the leaders who instigated the protest in Islamabad essentially abandoned their followers, leaving them at great risk without support.
Special Assistant Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali, brought up further grievances against the federal authorities, alleging direct orders were given to hospitals to withhold information on the casualties and that some bodies were mishandled to obscure the evidence of the violence.
As the debate intensified, calls were made for the PTI-led provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address existing issues more effectively, including the alleged use of oppressive laws and the need for improved security and governance. Also highlighted was the demand for police and security forces not to engage in excessive force against protestors, a concern rooted deeply in the region’s history of political demonstrations.
Towards resolving ongoing conflicts, especially in Kurram, suggestions included the dismantling of bunkers and fostering dialogue and disarmament to ensure long-term peace. Riaz Shaheen emphasized that merely calling for ceasefires is insufficient without comprehensive strategies that address the underlying causes of sectarian violence.
The provincial Law Minister, Aftab Alam Khan, informed the assembly of steps being taken by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, including empowering local leaders and communities in Kurram to work towards a lasting resolution to the strife, suggesting that de-weaponization initiatives are being planned.
These discussions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly underscore the complex web of political, sectarian, and social issues that continue to challenge governance and peace in the province, reflecting a broader pattern of instability that affects many areas across Pakistan.