As per reports, at least one person was killed and 22 more were injured in violence reported in Bannu city of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday (19 July). The protestors were demanding peace and stability in the area, alleging that despite 20 years of military operations, terrorist attacks continued unabated.

• The peace rally in Bannu, organised by local traders and political parties, saw participants waving white flags as symbols of peace.
• The march culminated at the Sports Complex, where a number of speeches were delivered.
• Reportedly, tensions escalated when the crowd marched towards the Bannu cantonment, setting fire to tents set up by security forces to guard a portion of a wall damaged in a terrorist attack on Sunday (14 July).
• Shots were fired from an adjoining area towards the tents. Security forces returned the fire, and in the ensuing gunfire and melee, at least one person was killed and scores were injured.
• The KP government spokesperson stated that the situation was now under control and an official inquiry had been initiated.
• Reportedly, protestors blocked the highway to Waziristan and markets remain shut.