BANNU: The local traders’ association in Bannu has announced full support for a protest sit-in, shutter-down, and wheel-jam strike scheduled for April 20 (today), as tensions rise over unresolved public demands and lack of progress on previously agreed commitments.
The announcement was made during a protest gathering held at the Bannu Press Club under the chairmanship of district traders’ leader Pir Gul Manzoor Shah (Gul Pir). The meeting was attended by representatives of various trader organisations and local community elders.
The speakers, including former senator Baz Muhammad Khan, Prof Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Dr Pir Sahib Zaman, and others, highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to road closures, which they said have severely disrupted daily life in the city.
They also referred to the large peace march held on July 19, 2024, which led to a provincial apex committee meeting attended by senior officials, including the chief minister, corps commander, and other authorities. In that meeting, more than 16 demands were reportedly approved, including road restoration, improvements in law and order, and protection from legal action for protest participants and jirga members.
However, participants expressed disappointment that the agreed-upon points have not yet been implemented, leading to growing public frustration. They added that authorities were given a deadline of April 20 during a meeting on April 12, but no progress has been made so far.
