PESHAWAR: A protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in Bara tehsil of Khyber district turned violent on Tuesday, October 13, as demonstrators clashed with police and government buildings were reportedly set on fire.
According to Dawn, at least five protesters sustained injuries, while police confirmed the arrest of 50 people. However, a doctor at Hayatabad Medical Complex told the newspaper that more than a dozen injured people, including four policemen, had been brought to the hospital.
The demonstration took place against the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the declaration of an emergency in 12 districts, including Khyber.
Scores of PTI supporters gathered at Khyber Chowk in Bara Bazaar before police arrived to disperse them. Law enforcement personnel reportedly used batons and tear gas during the initial response.
Eyewitnesses said protesters later forced police personnel to retreat into nearby shops and commercial buildings. Reports also indicated that demonstrators manhandled officers, prompting police to fire tear gas and live rounds into the air.
Meanwhile, a nearby National Database and Registration Authority office and part of a Rescue 1122 building were reportedly set on fire. Authorities subsequently dispersed the protesters and closed roads leading to Bara Bazaar.
Capital City Police Peshawar announced that 50 people had been arrested. Separately, provincial information adviser Samar Haroon Bilour claimed that 42 PTI-affiliated individuals had been detained, including 25 Afghan nationals.
Dawn said it could not independently verify the arrest figures, the extent of property damage or the nationality and immigration status of those detained.
Meanwhile, leaders of Bara Siyasi Ittehad urged both protesters and police to avoid further confrontation.
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