Bannu peace committee agrees to no protests as talks with police conclude

The Police Peace Committee in Bannu has reached an agreement with police officials to cease protests, strikes, sit-ins, and political activities. This commitment is outlined in an 11-point written assurance submitted to regional and district police officers. Under the agreement, committee members will not arrest individuals without legal authority, and any actions against terrorism suspects will be handled by relevant law enforcement agencies.

They will also cooperate closely with the army, Frontier Corps, Counter-Terrorism Department, and other law enforcement agencies only on authorized directives. The assurance emphasizes adherence to the code of conduct and acceptance of legal repercussions for any violations. The talks took place at Bannu Police Lines and were attended by regional police officer Abdul Ghafoor Afridi, MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah, MNA Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, MPA Malik Pakhtunyar Khan, and other local elders.

PTI leader Sher Afzal Khan Marwat expressed concerns over the transfers of committee members, while earlier, the committee president Hazratullah objected to the transfer of seven police constables, causing service disruptions. The MNA emphasized the support of Bannu's 2.2 million residents and the region's gradual improvement. Local leaders urged authorities to avoid actions that could weaken the committee's role.

MNA Shah proposed the formation of district-level empowered committees for future police decisions, while MPA Pakhtunyar pledged support for the police and committee. In Lakki Marwat, the committee concluded a four-day protest following talks with the Bannu RPO, leading to the recovery of an abducted police official and the cancellation of personnel transfers.

Bannu district has witnessed repeated security incidents recently, including a police constable's death in Sorani area on August 10, and a joint operation that resulted in the killing of a terrorist and the arrest of 10 suspects. Counter-terrorism operations intensified in July, making it the deadliest month of 2026, with 112 security personnel and 205 civilians killed.