Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Attack: Four members of a local peace committee were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Tuesday in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said, underscoring the fragile security situation in the region.
The incident occurred in Bannu district, which borders the volatile North Waziristan tribal area. According to police, the victims were ambushed near Mazang Chowk, where gunmen opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Security forces cordoned off the area soon after the attack and launched a search operation, while the bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital for post-mortem examinations. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the killings.
Role of Peace Committees
Peace committees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in districts adjoining the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), are community-based bodies that often cooperate with law enforcement agencies to counter militancy, resolve local disputes, and discourage extremist influence. Their members have frequently been targeted by militant groups for their perceived collaboration with the state.
Persistent Insecurity in Border Regions
Bannu and neighbouring districts have witnessed a renewed wave of violence in recent months, including attacks on police personnel, tribal elders, and peace activists. The resurgence follows a broader spike in militant activity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the collapse of peace talks between the Pakistani government and banned extremist outfits.
Security analysts note that areas bordering North Waziristan, long considered a militant stronghold, remain vulnerable despite repeated military operations aimed at restoring stability.
Official Response
Local authorities said investigations are underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killings. Additional security has been deployed in sensitive areas amid fears of further targeted attacks.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of community leaders and the effectiveness of grassroots peace mechanisms in Pakistan’s conflict-affected northwest.