Traders stage protest to demand arrest of youth’s killer

TAKHTBAHI: The traders in Shergarh staged a protest on Sunday to demand the arrest of the killer of a youth, blocking the Malakand Highway for all kinds of traffic.

Sources said the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between a shopkeeper, Junaid , and a rickshaw driver over the vehicle being parked in front of the shop. During the heated exchange, the rickshaw driver reportedly opened fire, critically injuring both Junaid and Shayan. The injured were rushed to the hospital in critical condition where Shayan succumbed to his injuries. Following the shooting, the assailant managed to flee the scene.

Upon hearing the news of Shayan’s death, the Shergarh Traders Association, led by president Irshad Aziz, former provincial minister Fazal Rabbani Advocate and others, staged a protest by placing the deceased’s body on the Malakand Highway, completely halting traffic. Long queues of vehicles quickly formed on both sides of the blockade.

DSP Shergarh Circle, Noor Daraz Khan, arrived at the scene and initiated negotiations with the protesters, assuring them that the culprits would soon be arrested. After receiving a two-day ultimatum for action, the protesters agreed to clear the road.