Elders to hold march in Bannu tomorrow

By Our Correspondent
February 20, 2025
This representational image shows elders of a tribe negotiating with government officials in Bannu. — APP/File
This representational image shows elders of a tribe negotiating with government officials in Bannu. — APP/File

BANNU: The elders on Wedn­esday announced a decisive protest march on Friday, urging participants to bring white flags and prayer mats.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bannu Press Club, the elders including Nasir Khan Bangash, Ghulam Qaibaz Khan, Malik Farmanullah Meerakhel, Mumezullah, Mureed Khan, Gohar Khan and Muiz Khan Wazir criticised the provincial government for its failure to implement the 16-point peace agenda presented after the July 19, 2024, Peace Pasoon. They demanded the release of Haji Abdul Samad Khan and the removal of tribal elders’ names from Schedule IV.

They accused the authorities of breaking their pro­mises and implicating their elders in fabricated cases. They expressed serious concerns over reports of Abdul Samad Khan being transferred from Bannu Jail to Sindh, warning that if this happens, they will block roads and stage sit-ins. Malik Muiz Khan also criticised the divisional administration’s indifferent attitude, highlighting that officials refused even to meet them for negotiations.