Arrest of protesters against alleged corruption condemned 

‎CHITRAL, May 30: PPP leader Saleem Khan has strongly condemned the arrests of 53 individuals who were peacefully protesting against alleged corruption and unnecessary delays in the construction of the Torkhow road.

‎In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr. Khan criticized the district administration of Upper Chitral for targeting citizens exercising their democratic right to protest. He termed the arrests an abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to silence public dissent.

‎“It is deeply concerning that those who protest peacefully for their rights and against corruption are met with FIRs and jail, while the very government that claims to stand for ‘change and justice’ allows its own leaders and supporters to block roads for political motives without consequences,” he said.

‎Khan also pointed out the apparent hypocrisy of PTI’s local representatives, who on one hand issue public statements in support of the Torkhow road movement and on the other allegedly recommend FIRs against citizens involved in the protest.

‎“These public representatives ie MNAs and MPAs are using cheap tactics to hide their own failures. They cannot even tolerate valid public criticism,” he added.

‎The PPP leader warned that if the FIRs against the protesters are not withdrawn immediately, the party will join hands with all other political groups under a united platform to launch the biggest protest in Chitral’s history.

‎“The responsibility for any consequences will lie squarely with the district administration of Upper Chitral and the elected representatives who are complicit in this injustice,” he concluded. 

Condemnation by district bar

President District Bar Association Lower Chitral, Advocate Mominur Rahman also  condemned the arrest of peaceful protesters in Torkhow and termed it a clear violation of constitutional and human rights.

In a statement, he emphasized that the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and assembly. He criticized the use of state force against citizens who were peacefully highlighting their basic issues.

The bar association views the incident as a serious breach of fundamental rights and has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals. The statement also called for a transparent investigation and urged authorities to refrain from suppressing civil liberties in the future.

Mr Rahman reiterated that the people of Chitral have always respected law, peace, and democratic values, and any actions undermining public trust will not be tolerated.

The bar association pledged to raise its voice against all violations of constitutional rights and human dignity.