Bannu peace committee submits 11-point assurance as talks with police conclude

In Bannu, peace committee representatives and police officials concluded successful negotiations on Sunday, presenting an 11-point written assurance to regional police officer Abdul Ghafoor Afridi and district police officer Mian Afridi. The assurance outlines a code of conduct for committee members, requiring abstention from protests, strikes, sit-ins, and political activities while performing duties within legal frameworks.

Members will not arrest individuals without legal authority and will cooperate with law enforcement agencies under authorized officials' guidance. They will refrain from exceeding their authority, engaging in unlawful activities, and accepting legal action for violations. Disagreements arose when PTI leader Sher Afzal Khan Marwat expressed reservations over the transfers of Police Peace Committee members, urging authorities to investigate the committee's formation and the reasons behind police personnel's actions.

Peace Committee President Hazratullah objected to the transfer of seven Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police constables, calling for their boycott, causing disruptions in service and traffic. MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah emphasized the region's support for the Police Peace Committee, highlighting ongoing sacrifices and gradual improvements.

He urged authorities to respect the committee's role, warning that any weakening might revive terrorist activities, placing responsibility on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspector general. MNA Shah also called for district-level empowered committees for future decisions and their inclusion in consultations. MPA Malik Pakhtunyar Khan stood with the police and committee, promising support against any attempts to undermine their role.

In Lakki Marwat, the peace committee ended a four-day protest following talks, resulting in the recovery of an abducted police official and the cancellation of transfers and modernization of equipment. The talks also covered seeking Frontier Corps assistance for sensitive locations' security and improving security arrangements. Bannu has experienced repeated security incidents recently, with a police constable killed on August 10 and intensified terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations in July, claiming 112 security personnel and 205 lives.