ANP Provincial Statement Condemns Firing on Participants of Peace March in Bannu

Quetta:In a strongly worded provincial statement issued from the Awami National Party (ANP) provincial office in Bacha Khan Markaz, all district headquarters are informed of protests organized under the auspices of Pashtun nationalist progressive and people-friendly parties, including ANP, Pashtun Khwa Milli Awami Party, and National Democratic Movement, scheduled for July 20th. The statement condemns in severe terms the firing on participants of the peaceful march in Bannu, which has resulted in the tragic death of innocent protesters and injuries to several others.

The statement asserts that such heinous acts push Bannu, known for its struggle for peace, into violence, and are evidence of the prioritization of lawlessness and violence against Pashtun and Baloch resources by the unfortunate state and ruling aristocracy. It further warns that such actions strengthen the fear that state-sponsored extremism and terrorism are being supported at the state level.

The perpetrators of firing on the Peace March in Bannu must be exposed, and those behind them brought to justice in all circumstances. The responsibility for severity in all conditions will rest on the state and ruling aristocracy. On Saturday, July 20th, under the auspices of progressive Pashtun nationalist parties, ANP, Pashtun Khwa National People’s Party, and National Democratic Movement, protests will take place at all district headquarters. Responsible individuals and party workers should ensure full participation.

The ANP stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs during this time of grief and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.