SWAT/LOWER DIR: Residents of Swat and Lower Dir rallied against the escalating attacks on police, demanding the arrest of those responsible. In the Ser Telegram area of Charbagh tehsil, protesters blocked Malam Jabba Road, denouncing recent gunfire incidents targeting police officers.
Holding white flags and banners with slogans like “We Want Peace in Swat,” the demonstrators gathered at the Talegram police post, calling for an end to the violence. Prominent figures in the protest included Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Hilal Danish, Adalat Khan, Naik Amal, Swab Khan, Javed, and Dr. Farooq Ali.
The march was organized by local residents, the Matorezi Qaumi Jirga, and civil society members. Protesters expressed their frustration with ongoing militancy and counterinsurgency efforts, vowing not to tolerate any further violence.
“We know who is behind these attacks and warn them that there will be no more deception with the people of Swat,” one protester declared.
Elders in the community issued a strong message to those responsible for inciting violence, stating they would not be misled by planned acts of terrorism.
“We will not allow these disturbances to continue,” an elder emphasized. They also warned that if militants challenged the peace in Swat again, the people would be prepared to defend their community.
In Mingora, civil society members, including journalists, traders, youth, lawyers, teachers, and representatives from Swat Olasi Pasoon, held a meeting to address the recent police attacks. They announced plans to mobilize the public and organize a sit-in.
In Lower Dir, the Dir Amn Pasoon staged a protest rally against an attack on a police post in the Mayar area, demanding the arrest of the attackers. Hundreds from Jandol participated, with notable speeches from MNA Mohammad Bashir Khan, PMA Ubaidur Rehman, and other local leaders.
Protesters, carrying white flags, voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to protect citizens and law enforcement, criticizing the lack of security as militants continue to cross borders and target security forces.
