Peshawar Police on high alert after violent PTI protest in Bara

PESHAWAR: Security has been tightened in Bara tehsil of Khyber district after violent clashes between police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters left five party workers injured and damaged government buildings, prompting senior police officials to step up efforts to restore calm.

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed Ahmad visited Bara on Wednesday to review the security situation and assess arrangements following Tuesday’s unrest. Police personnel have been deployed in greater numbers, while Bara Bazaar has been sealed off with barricades at all entry and exit points.

Police officials said the situation in Bara Bazaar and surrounding areas was being closely monitored, with Peshawar and Khyber police coordinating with other law-enforcement agencies to prevent further violence.

In a statement issued by his office, Dr Ahmad said protecting citizens, government installations and sensitive locations remained the police’s top priority.

“Maintaining law and order and providing a safe environment to citizens is our top priority. There will be no compromise on the rule of law, so violators of the law will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

The CCPO warned that legal action would be taken against those involved in damaging public property, vandalism or activities that disrupted public order. He added that police were using all available resources to protect residents and maintain the government’s writ.

The latest security measures followed Tuesday’s violent demonstration in Bara, during which protesters reportedly set fire to a nearby National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office and part of a Rescue 1122 building.

Five PTI workers were injured during clashes with riot police. Party leaders alleged that police directly fired at protesters, while the police denied the allegation. The injured workers were taken to a local hospital, where their condition was reported to be out of danger.

The unrest has raised concerns about a possible escalation, although sources said local PTI leaders had advised supporters and sympathisers against holding further demonstrations following the violence.

Sources also claimed that local PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi and MPA Abdul Ghani had gone into hiding. The claims could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, police registered cases against 15 PTI supporters for demonstrating in Jamrud as authorities continued efforts to contain the situation.

In contrast to the tense atmosphere in Bara, Landi Kotal remained peaceful on Wednesday, with roads, including the main Peshawar-Torkham Highway, open to traffic.

Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with the police and administration to maintain peace and prevent further incidents.

With heightened security in place and key commercial areas under restrictions, attention remains focused on whether the situation in Bara will stabilise without further confrontation between protesters and law-enforcement personnel.