BANNU: The Grand Qaumi Aman Jirga has expressed serious concerns over reports of civilians being detained in plain clothes by Bannu police and alleged disrespect of bodies, urging authorities to act strictly within the limits of the Police Act.

An important jirga was held at Darul Uloom Islamia Mandan Gate under the chairmanship of former Senator Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. The gathering was attended by several political and community figures including MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah, Dr Pir Sahib Zaman, former mayor Irfan Darani, former mayor Junaid Rasheed, Malik Raza Khan, Malik Nek Daraz Khan, Nisar Khan Advocate, Gul Pir, Nisar Khan Kaki, and other tribal elders, religious scholars, and representatives from various segments of society.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a unanimous resolution was passed calling for the establishment of lasting peace in the district, elimination of terrorism, and resolution of public grievances.

The jirga strongly condemned all forms of terrorism, terming it a major obstacle to peace and development. However, it raised concerns over reports of police conducting operations in plain clothes and alleged mistreatment of bodies, stressing that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly under legal and constitutional frameworks.

The resolution stated that the people of Bannu and the jirga fully support law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, but emphasized that police should perform their duties under the Police Act and legal procedures.

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The jirga urged the provincial government to provide all necessary resources, authority, and facilities to the police to ensure effective maintenance of law and order.

Tribute was also paid to security personnel and civilians martyred in recent incidents, with calls for a special compensation package for their families.

The jirga demanded the immediate reopening of key roads and highways connecting different areas of Bannu to ease public movement and restore normal life. These include Juma Khan Road, Kot Adil Road, Amandi Road, as well as markets and commercial centers.

It further called for a review of FIRs registered during the 19 July 2024 Aman Pasoon, demanding the release of allegedly innocent individuals, including Abdul Samad Khan.

Participants also stressed the reopening of all blocked routes in areas such as Daud Shah, in front of Meryan Police Station, FC Line to Old Karak Bridge, Nazam Bazaar, and other affected locations, along with the immediate resumption of development projects.

At the end of the session, jirga leaders announced plans to hold meetings with the Corps Commander and Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They warned that if their demands are not met, they may announce a future protest plan, including the possibility of a sit-in in Islamabad or Peshawar.