The family of Qari Rashid, a resident of Bannu, staged a protest outside the Bannu Press Club, carrying his body in an ambulance, and accused members of a self-styled Police Peace Committee of facilitating his killing.
The bereaved family alleged that Qari Rashid had been taken away approximately one month ago by members of the Police Peace Committee. According to the family, he was subsequently taken to Lakki Marwat, where they believe he was allegedly killed through individuals described as his opponents. The family said that Qari Rashid’s body was recovered from the Malang Adda area, following which relatives transported the body by ambulance to the Bannu Press Club to publicly protest and demand justice.
According to the deceased’s relatives, Qari Rashid was taken into custody by members of the Police Peace Committee around a month before his body was recovered. The family alleges that despite repeated efforts to establish contact and seek information regarding his whereabouts, the committee members refused to cooperate. The relatives further alleged that the committee played a facilitating role in his subsequent killing by allegedly handing him over to or enabling individuals with whom he had existing enmity. These allegations have not yet been independently verified, and no determination of responsibility can be made without a formal investigation.
Following the recovery of Qari Rashid’s body, his relatives brought the body to the Bannu Press Club in an ambulance and staged a protest. The demonstrators sought public attention to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death and called for the authorities to investigate the matter transparently. The family maintained that they had repeatedly attempted to meet members of the Police Peace Committee to obtain information and resolve the matter, but alleged that their requests were rejected.
The relatives also stated that members of the family and other individuals had taken an oath on the Holy Quran regarding their position in the dispute, emphasizing their demand for an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Qari Rashid’s death.
The family has demanded a transparent, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into Qari Rashid’s disappearance and subsequent killing. They called for all individuals allegedly involved in the incident including anyone who may have facilitated, ordered, assisted, or concealed the killing to be identified and brought before the law.
The family further stated that, following the deceased’s burial, they intend to seek accountability from the core committee of the Police Peace Committee and demand answers regarding the circumstances in which Qari Rashid was allegedly taken away and later found dead.
The allegations have also raised broader questions about the role and accountability of informal or self-styled security structures operating under the name of peace committees. Where such groups interact with civilians, detain individuals, or become involved in disputes, clear legal authority, institutional oversight, and accountability are essential to prevent abuse of power and ensure protection of citizens’ rights.
If the family’s allegations are substantiated, the case would raise serious concerns regarding unlawful detention, abuse of authority, and the alleged use of intermediaries to facilitate violence. At the same time, the accusations remain allegations at this stage. A competent investigation is required to establish the sequence of events, determine who took Qari Rashid away, establish where he was held, identify the circumstances surrounding his death, and determine whether any members of the Police Peace Committee or other individuals were involved.
The family has appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that the case is not overlooked and that all aspects of Qari Rashid’s disappearance and death are investigated without fear or favour. They have called for accountability based on evidence and due process, stressing that those responsible should face legal consequences regardless of their affiliation or position.
The protest outside the Bannu Press Club reflects the family’s determination to seek answers and justice for the deceased. The case also underscores the importance of ensuring that every citizen remains protected by the law and that no informal group is allowed to operate beyond legal scrutiny.
