ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed profound sorrow and strong condemnation over the tragic incident in Tirah Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where protesters demonstrating against counter-terrorism operations were reportedly fired upon.
In a statement issued on Monday, PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. He emphasized the need for justice, transparency, and accountability in the matter.
“The party demands an immediate and impartial inquiry into the horrifying Tirah incident and calls for those responsible to be held accountable,” said Akram. “Only through justice and democratic engagement can Pakistan move toward peace, stability, and progress.”
PTI strongly condemned the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians without prior warning or an attempt at dialogue, describing it as a blatant violation of basic human rights and democratic principles.
The incident in Tirah Valley unfolded on Sunday when protesters, voicing their opposition to counter-terrorism operations in the province, were reportedly fired upon in the Mohmand Ghoz area. Earlier in the week, two children were killed by a mortar shell in the Raghzai village of Tank district, prompting residents to stage a protest by blocking the Tank-South Waziristan Road. The protests called for immediate action against those responsible for the deaths.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding who opened fire on the protesters. Some district officials claimed that terrorists from Fitna-al-Khawarij fired on the crowd, while some protesters alleged that security forces fired upon them during the demonstration.
In the wake of the incident, a jirga, consisting of civil and military officials, local elders, and the Security Forces Commandant Brigadier Muhammad Qasim, was convened. The jirga condemned the violence and emphasized that peaceful protests are a constitutional right that must be respected.
Brigadier Qasim assured the gathering that an inquiry would be launched into the incident, and strict action would be taken against those responsible. He also stated that the person behind the earlier mortar attack had been identified and that action was underway.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed deep sorrow over the incident and outlined a compensation package for the affected families. According to Gandapur’s statement, the provincial government announced a Rs10 million compensation for those killed in the incident and Rs2.5 million for those injured.
Additionally, a series of jirgas will be held with tribal elders and public representatives in Peshawar and across the province to address local concerns and sentiments. Gandapur emphasized the need for strengthening public relations and maintaining order in the affected areas.
