The first death anniversary of Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed, a prominent political, social, academic, and literary figure from Bajaur, was observed at Bajaur Sports Complex. Speakers expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation from Bajaur to Waziristan and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for the restoration of peace, effective implementation of the National Action Plan, and immediate resolution of issues facing the merged tribal districts.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a collective prayer for the departed soul of Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed.

Addressing the gathering, Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain questioned who was responsible for the recent attacks in Swat, the displacement of people from their homes, and the targeting of civilians. He said similar conditions were being witnessed across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He stated that tribal communities had been repeatedly displaced, while their schools, seminaries, and mosques had been destroyed. Despite these hardships, he said, they would continue to raise their voices for peace and their rights.

Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Nisar Baz said that more than 90,000 Pashtuns and over 1,200 tribal elders, religious scholars, and political leaders had fallen victim to terrorism over the years. According to him, the wave of targeted killings in Bajaur began in 2005 with the martyrdom of Mian Shah Jahan and was followed by the killings of Abdul Raziq and many other scholars, tribal elders, and political workers.

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Speakers paid tribute to Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed's academic, literary, political, and social contributions. His book, Mutabadil Bayania (Alternative Narrative), was also formally launched during the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the event, ANP Central Working Committee member and Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed's elder brother, Sheikh Jahanzada, presented a unanimously adopted 16-point declaration.

The declaration described Maulana Khan Zeb as a national martyr and a valuable national asset, stressing that his academic, literary, political, and national struggle should be passed on to the younger generation to promote collective awareness, brotherhood, development, and national unity.

It expressed concern over the prevailing insecurity from Bajaur to Waziristan and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the provincial government and relevant institutions to take effective measures for restoring peace. It also called for the full implementation of the National Action Plan, national reconciliation in Afghanistan through a traditional Loya Jirga, and political dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve bilateral issues and the refugee situation.

The declaration demanded the reopening of all historic border crossings—from Nawa Pass, Gakhi Pass, Kaga Kandao, Letei Kandao, and Ghoslai Kandao in Mohmand to the Chaman route—for public movement and trade.

It further urged the government to fulfill commitments made under the 25th Constitutional Amendment for the merged tribal districts, withdraw the decision to impose taxes in the merged districts and Malakand Division, and announce additional development packages for these regions.

Among other demands, the declaration called for the immediate activation of the inquiry commission announced by the Prime Minister to investigate the killing of Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed, resolution of the issue of missing persons, restoration of internet services across all merged districts from Bajaur to Waziristan, scientific surveys of mineral resources, extraction of minerals in consultation with local jirgas, compensation for owners of demolished homes and businesses—including those in Loi Sam Bazaar and Inayat Kallay Bazaar—restoration of blocked national identity cards, and the immediate release of development funds for PK-22 MPA Nisar Baz.

The declaration concluded with an appeal to the public to carry forward Maulana Khan Zeb Shaheed's message of peace, brotherhood, and democratic struggle, and to play an active role in establishing lasting peace in the region.

The ceremony was attended by ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, General Secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai, MPA Nisar Baz, former MPA Bahadur Khan, ANP Central Working Committee member Sheikh Jahanzada, District President Gul Afzal Khan, General Secretary Shah Nasir Khan, party workers, political and social figures, and a large number of local residents.