Tensions have reached a peak in Rehman Abad, an area of Shakardara tehsil in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohat district, where local residents and community elders staged a strong protest against alleged illegal placer gold mining, the patronage of criminal elements, and what they described as one-sided actions by the police. Protesters said the activities of the alleged mining mafia have destroyed law and order in the area, raising serious concerns over the rule of law.

Addressing the demonstrators, Rehman Abad community elders Hameedullah and Tariq-ul-Hasan Mehdi informed the public and state institutions about the situation. They said that the ongoing illegal gold mining in Shakardara has devastated peace in the region, leading to frequent incidents of killings and violence.

The elders alleged that a group identified as the "Nazar Group" is not only involved in illegal gold mining but is also forcibly collecting extortion from local residents.

They claimed that several local people were injured after members of the alleged criminal group opened fire a few days ago. They said that when residents resisted, intense clashes erupted between both sides, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, while several vehicles were also set on fire.

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The protesters' main grievance was the alleged role and bias of the local police. According to the speakers, the police have either failed to take action against criminal elements or appear to be complicit with them. Instead of arresting the alleged offenders, they claimed the police registered false cases against respected community elders and innocent residents of Rehman Abad and began arresting them, describing the actions as unjust and oppressive.

The protesters appealed to the highest authorities to take immediate notice of the situation.

They also urged the Pakistan Army and other sensitive state institutions to intervene, alleging that the local police were supporting criminals instead of maintaining peace.

The demonstrators called on the Chief Minister and the Inspector General of Police to take immediate notice of the incident and order an investigation into the alleged discriminatory conduct of the police.

Concluding their speeches, the speakers warned that unless the cases against innocent people are withdrawn immediately and a strict operation is launched against illegal gold mining and the alleged Nazar Group, another major wave of bloodshed could erupt in Shakardara, for which they said the administration and police would bear full responsibility.

It is pertinent to mention that Section 144 has been imposed on placer gold mining in Kohat by the Deputy Commissioner. However, local residents claim that despite the restriction, one group continues to engage in mining activities.

Speaking to TNN, the police spokesperson said the police are completely impartial and are performing their duties in accordance with the law. The spokesperson added that no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. District Police Officer Rai Mazhar Iqbal has directed the police not to compromise on the enforcement of the law under any circumstances.