LAKKI MARWAT: Tens of thousands of people participated in a big public meeting addressed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in Parati Gate Bazaar in the Bannu city on Friday.

Tribesmen from across the district reached the venue of the gathering in large processions and rallies holding white flags as a symbol of peace.

Former provincial minister Syed Hamid Shah and Taimur Baz Khan led processions from Mamashkhel area, while similar processions were led by Eng Malik Ihsan and Malik Iqbal from Mandan.

Pir Syed Qaisar Abbas Shah and Malik Khalid Khan led rallies from Bazaar Ahmad Khan and Garhi Sher Ahmad areas.

Meanwhile, a shutter-down strike was observed and a march was organised for restoration of peace in Wana, Lower South Waziristan district, on Friday.

The march was organised by Mutahida Sayasi Aman Pasoon, a conglomerate of nine political parties. During the peace march, all bazaars in Wana remained closed to express solidarity with the marchers.

A large number of people, including tribal elders, ulema, lawyers and civil society activists, arrived in Wana from different areas to participate in the peace march. They carried white flags inscribed with slogans for peace.

According to a joint statement, nine political parties of Lower Waziristan participated in the peace march, including JUI-F, PPP, ANP, PML-N, PTI, PkMAP, Pakhtunkhwa NAP, Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement, Jamaat-i-Islami and National Democratic Movement.

In Bajaur, a large number of people participated in a peace walk held in the Laghari Bazaar of Mamond tehsil. The walk was held shortly after the Friday prayers.

The participants raised slogans in favour of peace and against the ongoing lawlessness in the district.

Speakers on the occasion said that the locals irrespective of their political ideologies were on the same page for durable peace and stability in the district.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024