Adam Khan Wazir Wana
In Wana, Lower South Waziristan district, tensions flared as a confrontation broke out between police and protesters, resulting in one injury and the arrest of five individuals.
The situation escalated when police fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, causing minor injuries to a youth identified as Ashiq Noor. Protesters alleged police brutality, claiming they were subjected to heavy-handed tactics and physical assault.
The clash stemmed from an incident last week when police intercepted two pick-up trucks laden with non-custom tires near the Karab Kot area near Tanai. Despite negotiations with the tire owners over several days, discussions failed to reach a resolution. Subsequently, as the vehicles were being escorted to Dera Ismail Khan for handover to customs authorities, a confrontation erupted along Azam Warsak Road between police and protesters.
Eyewitnesses reported the arrest of five individuals amidst police baton charges. Among those detained was Amanullah Wazir, the district president of PPP. Police asserted that the protesters had obstructed traffic on Wana Azam Warsak Road, causing inconvenience to the public. Following the dispersal of protesters, normal traffic flow resumed on the road.
In response to the incident, local political figures, led by Imran Mukhalis, General Secretary of Pakistan People’s Party South Waziristan Lower, organized a rally condemning police actions and demanding the release of the arrested individuals. The rally drew participation from various political parties and tire owners, with attendees denouncing police brutality and urging the provincial government to transfer Wana’s SHOs to other districts.
