CM Gandapur 'hints' at calling KP Apex Committee after meeting Bannu jirga
1. Jirga, presenting 10 demands, opposes anti-terrorism campaign 'Azm-e-Istehkam', say sources
The recent developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) indicate heightened tensions following the Bannu 'peace march', which resulted in casualties. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur plans to convene a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee in the next two days to address the demands presented by the Bannu jirga. The jirga's 10-point agenda includes dismantling armed groups, empowering police for night patrols, allowing the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to lead operations against terrorists, and ensuring missing persons are presented before courts.
Despite the violent episode during the Bannu sit-in, the jirga, led by Nasir Khan, maintains its stance and plans to continue the protest. The Chief Minister has assured the jirga that their demands will be discussed in the upcoming Apex Committee meeting, with five jirga members participating.
The federal government, however, has expressed skepticism about the provincial investigation into the incident, accusing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters of instigating violence during the rally. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), provided footage showing armed marchers attacking the Bannu cantonment, asserting that the army's response was in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). The situation remains volatile, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives.
