KP CM orders inquiry into police firing on protesters

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has taken notice of a police firing incident during a protest held against a drone attack in Bara Akakhel, according to the details reported.

The protest took place at the Hayatabad toll plaza, where demonstrators had gathered after the death of a teenage girl in what was described as a suspected quadcopter strike. The incident site was reported to be near Bara Bazaar.

Six other members of the same family, including women and children, were also injured in the attack.

Police action during protest

During the protest, police opened fire and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The chief minister responded by directing the authorities concerned to carry out an immediate and transparent inquiry into the incident.

He also instructed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and that anyone found responsible should face strict action in accordance with the law.

Inquiry ordered

The chief minister’s directions, as reported, called for a prompt examination of the circumstances surrounding the police response at the protest site. The inquiry is to determine responsibility for the firing and the use of tear gas against the demonstrators.

The protest itself was linked to public anger over the death of the teenage girl in Bara Akakhel and the injuries suffered by six other family members. Those injured included women and children.

The development comes amid concern over both the original strike and the subsequent police action against protesters who had assembled at the Hayatabad toll plaza. The chief minister’s intervention focused specifically on ensuring a transparent investigation and legal action against those found responsible.

No further details were provided in the report about the identities of the injured family members or the findings of the inquiry at this stage.