Four members of a local peace committee were killed in a targeted gun attack in Bannu district on Tuesday. The victims were returning from a jirga in the Gulbadeen Lundai area when unidentified assailants opened fire on them. The sudden attack caused panic in the area and left the community in shock. Police reached the scene shortly after the incident and confirmed that all four men died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities immediately shifted the bodies to the district headquarters hospital for medico-legal procedures. Meanwhile, senior police officials visited the hospital and assured families of swift action. Residents described the victims as respected community figures who actively worked to maintain peace and resolve local disputes.
Search Operation Launched After Incident
Following the killings, police launched a large-scale search operation in surrounding areas. Security forces sealed key routes and increased patrols to prevent further attacks. Officials stated that investigators are collecting forensic evidence and recording witness statements to trace the attackers. However, no arrests have been made so far, and the attackers remain unidentified.
Police officials stressed that operations will continue until those responsible are apprehended. They also confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed to protect vulnerable community members and peace committee representatives.
Violence Surges Across Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Bannu attack comes amid a renewed wave of terrorism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Just one day earlier, seven police personnel were killed when an improvised explosive device struck their armoured vehicle in Tank district. That incident targeted law enforcement officers conducting routine duties, further highlighting the deteriorating security situation.
Previously, peace committee members have also faced deadly attacks in the region. In November last year, seven members were shot dead in Bannu’s Hoveed area, reinforcing fears that community leaders are being deliberately targeted.
Peace Committees Under Growing Threat
Peace committees play a critical role in maintaining local stability by mediating disputes and supporting state efforts against militancy. However, their influence makes them frequent targets for armed groups seeking to destabilize communities. As attacks increase, residents fear that weakening these committees will create security vacuums across already fragile districts.
Authorities acknowledge that protecting grassroots peace initiatives is now a major challenge. Officials insist that counterterrorism efforts will intensify, yet locals demand visible results to restore confidence and safety.
