In a shocking and cowardly act of violence, Khawarij opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful protesters in the Bagh Maidan area of the Tirah Valley today, killing three innocent civilians and injuring nine others.
The protesters had gathered in front of the Brigade Headquarters to voice legitimate local demands in a peaceful manner when Khawarij took positions in the nearby hills and launched a surprise attack. Witnesses and officials described it as a calculated attempt to sow fear and division among the people and security forces.
Authorities believe the attack was part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize the region, erode public trust in the state, and sabotage ongoing peace efforts.
Notably, the assault follows a recent announcement by local tribal jirgas pledging collective resistance, in coordination with security forces—against the outlawed Khawarij group. Analysts suggest that this growing public unity has unsettled the militants, prompting them to target civilians who have rejected their extremist ideology.
Despite the gravity of the incident, security forces exercised restraint, refraining from an immediate retaliatory strike to prevent further civilian harm. Injured protesters were swiftly moved to the FC Hospital in Shaks, where they are receiving free medical treatment.
Locals and officials alike condemned the attack as a desperate and treacherous act, aimed at sabotaging hard-won stability in the region. “The people now understand that the militants’ true objective is to destroy peace, not champion any cause,” said a tribal elder.
Meanwhile, in a politically charged move, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a protest in Khyber, drawing criticism from some quarters for allegedly trying to politicise the tragedy rather than standing with the victims or supporting the fight against militancy.
As tensions rise, the need for a united front, between the public, state institutions, and political leadership, has become more urgent than ever.
