Residents in Bannu have raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Police Aman Committee, accusing members of the committee of carrying out unlawful detentions and extra-judicial killings.
According to local sources, the committee detained Zia ur Rehman, a resident of Domel area, and his body was later recovered from near Bakhmali petrol pump link road in the Domel area.
Sources said messages circulated in local WhatsApp groups claimed that Zia ur Rehman had been taken into custody by a faction linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while his body was recovered the following day.
Residents have accused the Police Aman Committee of previously detaining several citizens and later either declaring them terrorists or creating the impression that they were killed by terrorist groups.
Two individuals, including a woman, have also held a press conference at Bannu Press Club, alleging that their son was killed by the Police Aman Committee and demanding justice.
Residents have called on the Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government and the Corps Commander Peshawar to take immediate action against those responsible and investigate the committee’s activities.
The controversy has renewed debate over the role of community-based security arrangements in areas affected by terrorism. While local security initiatives have at times supported state efforts against militant networks, residents and officials alike stress that all security-related actions must remain within the authority of law and accountable state structures.
Further investigation will determine the facts surrounding the incident and establish responsibility.
