Outrage Over Bannu Shooting: Politicians and Journalists Demand Justice
The tragic shooting in Bannu, Pakistan, has caused widespread anger and calls for accountability among politicians and journalists. Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, condemned the violence against Pashtun protesters. He stated, ‘Government terrorism is not acceptable, military operations are not acceptable, in any case, we want peace.’
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan also shared a video of the protest he attended. Former MNA from North Waziristan, Mohsin Dawar, commented on the incident, saying, ‘Blood in response to peace.’
PTI leader Sher Afzal Khan Marwat expressed his sorrow and condemned the shootings, stating, ‘It is disheartening to witness such brutality inflicted upon innocent Pakistanis, exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest.’
Journalist Sabahat Zakariya voiced her dismay, comparing the incident to historical tragedies and questioning the notion of freedom in Pakistan.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at least five protestors were killed and over 20 injured when security forces fired on participants of a peace rally in Bannu. Thousands had gathered to protest against terrorism, but tensions escalated when protestors reportedly tried to enter the cantonment area, prompting security officials to open fire.
The rally was organized by local traders and political parties, with participants waving white flags as symbols of peace. The Bannu police stated that army personnel fired on protestors as they attempted to breach the Bannu cantonment, resulting in chaos and numerous injuries.
The rally followed a deadly attack earlier in the week, where a suicide bomber targeted an army outpost, killing eight Pakistani soldiers.
Doubts Revealed
Bannu -: Bannu is a city in Pakistan. It’s located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pashtun -: Pashtuns are an ethnic group mainly found in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They have their own language and culture.
PTI -: PTI stands for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. It’s a political party in Pakistan, founded by Imran Khan.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan -: Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is a Pakistani politician. He is a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.
Mohsin Dawar -: Mohsin Dawar is a Pakistani politician and activist. He is known for advocating for the rights of the Pashtun people.
Sher Afzal Khan Marwat -: Sher Afzal Khan Marwat is a leader in the PTI party. He is involved in politics in Pakistan.
Sabahat Zakariya -: Sabahat Zakariya is a journalist from Pakistan. She writes about social and political issues.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan -: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is an organization that works to protect human rights in Pakistan. They report on issues like violence and injustice.
peace rally -: A peace rally is a gathering of people who come together to promote peace and protest against violence.
army outpost -: An army outpost is a small military base. Soldiers stay there to keep an area secure.
