KHYBER (MNN); A protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in Bara tehsil of Khyber district turned violent on Tuesday, with clashes between protesters and police and reports of government buildings being set on fire.
Eyewitnesses reported that police used tear gas and fired live rounds, while some protesters allegedly manhandled law enforcement personnel. At least five protesters were initially reported injured, according to eyewitness accounts. However, a doctor at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar told journalists that more than a dozen injured people, including four policemen, had been brought to the hospital.
The demonstration was organised against the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has rendered Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s position non-functional, as well as the declaration of an emergency in 12 districts, including Khyber.
Scores of PTI supporters gathered at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar during the afternoon, prompting police to arrive at the scene. According to eyewitnesses, police initially used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some protesters reportedly dispersed, but the situation escalated after local MPA Abdul Ghani Afridi arrived with additional PTI supporters.
Eyewitnesses said protesters forced police personnel to retreat, with some taking shelter in nearby shops and commercial buildings. Reports from the area indicated that some protesters later dragged police officers out of the shops and manhandled them. Police subsequently fired tear gas shells and live rounds into the air.
The nearby National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office and part of a Rescue 1122 building were also reportedly set ablaze.
Police eventually dispersed the protesters from Khyber Chowk, but roads leading to Bara Bazaar remained closed even after the demonstration ended.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Bara Siyasi Ittehad appealed to both PTI workers and police to avoid further confrontation and violence.
Arrests
Peshawar Capital City Police said in a statement that 50 people described as “miscreant elements” had been arrested in Bara for allegedly attempting to spread unrest.
Separately, newly appointed KP Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Samar Haroon Bilour said 42 PTI-affiliated individuals allegedly involved in vandalism and unrest had been arrested, including 25 whom she described as undocumented Afghan nationals.
Bilour accused the protesters of damaging public and government property and alleged that individuals reportedly led by PTI leaders had attempted to create unrest at Bara Chowk. She said police had made arrests and brought the situation under control.
The reported arrest figures, extent of property damage and nationality and immigration status of those detained could not be independently verified.
