Residents of Shangla staged a peace rally on Friday, blocking the Bisham-Swat road in Alpuri Chowk. The rally was a response to recent terror attacks that claimed the lives of police personnel and civilians. The district bar association and Shangla Action Committee organized the rally, which was attended by leaders from various political parties.
Waqif Shah Advocate, chairman of the Shangla Action Committee, led the rally. Participants carried banners and white flags with peace slogans, while chanting anti-terrorism slogans. Speakers, including Mutawakil Khan, Faiz Mohammad, and Abbas Khan, addressed the rally, demanding an end to insurgency and the restoration of sustainable peace.
The speakers criticized the government’s failure to protect public lives and police personnel. Mohammad Zada, trade union president, noted that Bisham was previously safe from terrorism, but recent attacks have targeted the area, posing a significant threat to the region and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Abbas Khan urged the youth to take a stand against terrorism and inform the police about any suspicious activities. Sultan Rome Advocate criticized the government’s handling of terrorism, stating that police are not given the authority to independently combat terrorism.
Also read: Jirga asks for durable peace in Shangla
Waqif Shah Advocate announced that a grand Jirga would be held on December 23 to address peace and security threats. He invited Amir Muqam, Ibadullah Khan, Abdul Munim, and Mohammad Rashad Khan to attend the Jirga, where a decision would be made on the future strategy to restore peace in the district.
