Bannu– The spokesperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Barrister Saif, declared that investigations into the firing incident at a peaceful protest demonstration against rising terrorism in Bannu have been initiated. He assured that those found guilty would be punished according to the law.

In an interview with BBC, he said that Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur took serious notice of Friday’s protest firing incident and called for a detailed report. The CM is overseeing the entire situation himself, he added.

The peaceful rally, upon the request of the Bannu traders’ community, participated by thousands, turned out to be violently bothersome Friday afternoon when some sort of shooting incident took place during the peaceful march, killing at least one and injuring a lot of people.

He further referred to the conflicting reports rife about the shooting and mentioned claims of security forces’ involvement in the shooting. “Thorough investigation is being conducted and strict legal action will be taken against those responsible,” said the Barister.

He further informed that after talking with the local elders, the situation was brought under control. The protesters called off their sit-in on Friday following a meeting with the local administration but announced to start peaceful protest again on Saturday.

Barrister Saif said peaceful protest is basic constitutional and legal right of every citizen.

Speaking to the BBC, Barrister Saif said that they currently do not have confirmed information regarding the exact number of casualties and people injured from the shooting incident.

He said that the Chief Minister announced a compensation package for the deceased and the injured.

Earlier, medical authorities in Bannu said that the shooting and the subsequent chaos left at least one person dead and several others wounded. A spokesperson for the Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu told the BBC Urdu that one body and 23 injured people were brought to the hospital following the incident.

According to the spokesperson, many of the injured were due to the stampede, but some had gunshot wounds.

Shooting and chaos reportedly happened on the way to the Sports Complex, where the march participants were to hold a rally.

Militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been on the rise during the past few months, particularly during the current month. It was in reaction to the recent terrorist attacks on the Bannu cantonment and a health center on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan that the locals decided and held this protest. The protesters are demanding the government guarantee protection for their lives, property, and dignity.