HRCP Condemns Police Violence Against Peaceful Bannu Protesters

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned police violence in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where five were killed and over 20 injured. The protesters demanded peace and stability amid ongoing militancy. HRCP calls for accountability and prompt government action to address the protesters' concerns.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent police violence targeting peaceful protesters in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Reports have surfaced indicating that five individuals were killed and more than 20 injured when security forces allegedly opened fire on the demonstrators.

The assembled protesters were advocating for an end to ongoing militancy and an increase in security operations, voicing their demand for peace and stability in the region. HRCP has labelled the incident as a major violation of citizens' rights to life and freedom of peaceful assembly, describing the actions of the security forces as 'seemingly state-sanctioned' and reflective of a disturbing disregard for public calls for peace.

In an official statement, HRCP expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation, urging both provincial and federal governments to quickly address the legitimate concerns raised by the protesters. The commission called for immediate accountability for those responsible for the violence and stressed the importance of any law and order measures being discussed clearly in Parliament, ensuring they respect the rights of the affected individuals.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee similarly condemned the state violence against Pashtuns, expressing solidarity with the Pashtun community and demanding peace. Through a social media post on X, they stated, 'Blood of innocent Pashtuns flowed again as armed forces opened straight and indiscriminate fire on a peace gathering in Bannu. The state is deliberately normalising straight firing on peaceful Baloch and Pashtun, while warmly dealing with the TLP crowd, which has blocked Islamabad. Guns for Baloch and Pashtun and flowers for TLP is a clear manifestation of the state's apartheid law.' The commission's response underscores the ongoing tension in the region and the urgent need for effective dialogue between authorities and communities to resolve grievances and work towards lasting peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)