On Friday, the tranquil tehsil of Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa transformed into a battleground as intense clashes unfolded between law enforcement and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, resulting in three fatalities and 10 individuals sustaining injuries.
The discord emerged when Syed Fareen Khan, an independent candidate supported by PTI in the NA-11 election, contested the results proclaimed by the returning officer. This dissatisfaction triggered a protest by PTI members who accused authorities of intentionally delaying election results to facilitate manipulation. Allegedly, in the heat of the protest, a government-owned vehicle was set ablaze.
In a show of defiance, PTI activists blocked the vital Besham to Swat road, emphasizing their commitment to the protest until the elections were officially recognized as rigged. As law enforcement arrived on the scene, tensions soared, culminating in gunfire that claimed the lives of three individuals and left 10 others injured.
The wounded PTI supporters were promptly transported to Saidu Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care. The incident underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding election processes and political discontent, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation and resolution to prevent further escalation in the region.
