PESHAWAR – Tensions escalated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule, with reports of clashes between Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) protesters and police in Peshawar and other districts, leaving several protesters and police personnel injured, according to reports from the affected areas.
In view of the prevailing security situation, police and other law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert across Peshawar and other parts of the province. Section 144 has also been imposed in Peshawar amid concerns over public order and the possibility of further confrontations.
Reports have also emerged of raids on the residences of PTI members of the provincial assembly, ministers and party leaders, as well as possible arrests. However, details regarding the locations, individuals involved and circumstances of these reported operations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Clashes were reported in Bara tehsil of Khyber district, the home district of former chief minister Sohail Afridi, where PTI workers staged protests against the emergency measures and Governor’s Rule. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Bara Bazaar and around Khyber Chowk, leaving several protesters injured.One PTI worker was reportedly seriously injured after being struck by a shell fired by Bara police and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
According to reports from the area, PTI protesters subsequently pushed back police personnel and reached the main intersection of Bara Bazaar.A heavy police contingent remained deployed in the area as tensions continued. PTI workers have reportedly announced plans to enter Peshawar through the Ring Road from Bara, raising concerns about possible further confrontations and traffic disruptions.
In a separate incident, reports were received that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office in Bara tehsil of Khyber district had been set on fire.Further details regarding the circumstances of the incident, the extent of damage and any possible casualties were not immediately available.The report could not be independently verified at the time of filing.
Meanwhile, in Bara reportedly approved bail for 40 PTI workers arrested in connection with protests against the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule.The decision provided legal relief to the detained workers. However, claims that these were the first bail approvals of their kind in the country could not be independently verified.
Credible sources also reported that Arif Khattak, a security guard of former chief minister Sohail Afridi, had been arrested in Karak.The circumstances surrounding the reported arrest were not immediately clear.
Reports also emerged from Peshawar alleging that protesters had detained and assaulted 25 police personnel during demonstrations. The allegations could not be independently verified, and further details regarding the reported incident were awaited.
The unrest has added to uncertainty surrounding the province’s political and administrative situation, with security deployments, protests, reported raids and arrests, and legal developments unfolding simultaneously.The incidents have raised concerns about public safety, the protection of law enforcement personnel and public property, and the potential for further political confrontation.
Separately, lawyers across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa boycotted court proceedings and held protest demonstrations in all districts on the call of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council.The boycott reflected the legal community’s response to the extraordinary measures introduced in the province.
As developments continue, independent verification of reported casualties, arrests, raids, damage to public property and other incidents remains essential.The authorities and political stakeholders face the challenge of maintaining public order while ensuring due process, protecting fundamental rights and preventing further violence.