ISLAMABAD (Web-Desk); Protesters demonstrating against ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley came under fire near the Mohmand Ghoz area, a provincial government official confirmed on Sunday.
The unrest followed a tragic incident earlier in the week, where a mortar shell struck a house in Raghzai village, Tank district, killing two children. In response, residents staged a protest by blocking the Tank–South Waziristan Road, demanding swift identification and action against those responsible.
Sohail Afridi, Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister on Communications and Works, said a young girl had died the day before when a mortar hit her house, sparking further anger. On Sunday, locals gathered in front of the Frontier Corps (FC) compound to protest. “Shots were fired when the protesters approached the compound gates,” Afridi told reporters. He confirmed casualties had occurred but noted that details remained unclear.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding who opened fire. Afridi claimed district officials had attributed the firing to militants from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna-al-Khawarij. However, some demonstrators alleged that security personnel guarding the compound fired directly at them.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, blaming it on the TTP and instructing authorities to ensure prompt medical aid for the wounded. “The nefarious designs of terrorists will not deter our national resolve,” he stated.
In the aftermath, a high-level jirga was held involving local elders, civil and military officials, and Security Forces Commandant Brigadier Muhammad Qasim. According to a statement from Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), the jirga strongly denounced the incident and reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Brigadier Qasim promised an investigation and said the perpetrator behind the initial mortar attack had been identified and would face action.
“No further drone strikes or mortar fire will harm innocent civilians,” he assured. He also pledged that all blocked roads, including the one near Tirah check post, would be reopened.
The jirga decided on compensation: the families of those killed will receive Rs1.5 million, while the injured will be treated at the FC hospital in Shah Kas and granted Rs250,000 each. If any injured individual succumbs to their wounds, they will be included in the official martyr compensation package. These payments will be managed by the civil administration.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed sorrow over the violence. His press secretary issued a statement announcing the government’s condolence and a broader plan to engage tribal communities.
“A jirga of tribal elders and elected representatives will be convened in Peshawar to understand local grievances,” the statement said. Gandapur further announced that a series of jirgas will follow — first at the divisional level and then province-wide.
The chief minister also unveiled an official compensation package: Rs10 million for each deceased victim and Rs2.5 million for those injured. He directed local administrations to enhance community engagement and maintain peace in the affected areas.
