PTI Protest in Khyber’s Bara Erupts into Violence Amid Police Clashes

KHYBER: A protest demonstration by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in Khyber’s Bara tehsil turned violent on Tuesday as demonstrators clashed with police, leading to the burning of government buildings.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that police resorted to live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters reportedly engaged in physical confrontations with law enforcement. At least five protesters were confirmed injured, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, police reported the arrest of 50 individuals during the unrest. A doctor at Hayatabad Medical Complex confirmed that over a dozen injured, including four policemen, were treated at the facility.

The protest was organized in response to the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has rendered PTI’s Sohail Afridi ineffective as the province’s chief minister. This political maneuver has also led to a state of emergency declared in 12 districts, including Khyber, raising concerns among the local populace about governance and stability.

As tensions escalate, the situation remains fluid with potential for further protests. Authorities are expected to review security measures and may initiate investigations into the violence. The PTI leadership is likely to respond with additional demonstrations as they seek to challenge the governor’s rule and restore their political standing in the province.