Peshawar protest: Mayor condemns shelling by police amid growing unrest

PESHAWAR: Mayor Zubair Ali of Peshawar has issued a strong condemnation of the recent shelling on local government representatives, labelling the act as a severe violation of democratic norms.

The incident, which took place during a protest, left several Tehsil mayors and other local representatives injured. The mayor warned that if this unrest continues, it could escalate into a larger political movement, making it increasingly difficult to govern the province.

The mayor also revealed that 20 local government representatives were arrested in connection with the protests. He criticised the authorities for their heavy-handed approach, particularly highlighting that officers sent for negotiations were actively involved in the shelling.

Protest turns ugly in Peshawar; shelling by police on local body representatives

“If this rage against local body representatives persists, we will have no choice but to invite all political parties to join in the protest,” Mayor Zubair Ali said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was gripped by tension when the local body representatives clashed with police officials at Assembly Chowk.

The protesters, gathered to protest closure of powers and withholding of funds, breached the city’s red zone and were met with a heavy police presence, including tear gas shelling.