On Friday, more than 10,000 Pakistanis took to the streets to protest a military operation aimed at eliminating Afghan militants, arguing that such measures would not bring about peace. The demonstration in Bannu, located 40 kilometers from the Afghan border, turned violent when gunfire erupted, resulting in at least one protester’s death.
Protest Turns Deadly
The rally, which saw participants waving white flags and calling for peace, escalated when protesters approached the walls of a military facility. Tensions mounted as some demonstrators threw stones, prompting the military to fire shots into the air, leading to a stampede.
Pakhtun Yar, the provincial minister for public health, reported that gunfire was directed at protesters, accusing the military of intent to kill rather than just dispersing the crowd.
Background on the Military Campaign
The Pakistani government recently announced a new military campaign to address violence along the Afghan border, spurred by the resurgence of the Taliban. This move follows a previous military operation that, while pushing back the Taliban, displaced thousands and sparked local backlash over the treatment of ethnic Pashtuns.
Historical Context and Current Tensions
Protests against the military are infrequent and often suppressed swiftly due to the military’s significant influence over the government. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who opposed the military’s role in politics, is currently imprisoned for inciting protests against the army. Violence along the border has increased since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, with strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul over militant activities.
The situation remains tense as the conflict continues to affect local communities and international relations.
