CHARSADDA: The civil society activists joined by the political leaders and lawyers held a ‘peace march’ on Friday amid tight security in the district to condemn the recent tehsil courts bombing.

Also, the local courts remained closed for the fourth consecutive day due to their boycott by lawyers against the terrorist attack.

The district administration closed the Kutcheri Road to traffic for security reasons.

According to the police, security arrangements had also been made to protect all government installations, public places and important buildings, including Nadra offices, public and private educational institutions, and health centres.

The civil society members held the ‘peace march’ and laid floral wreaths and lit candles at the graves of blast victims. They went to the houses of the deceased and offered Fateha with their family members.

The civil society activists also visited the Tangi Tangi Bar Room, shouted slogans praising law-enforcement agencies and pledged to help security forces and police restore peace in the district.

They also inquired after the injured. The civil society activists praised the police personnel manning the courts premises for averting large-scale killings.

The rally was addressed by Tanagi Bar leaders Haji Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Latif and Mohammad Fayyaz, who demanded the government take concrete steps to eliminate militancy from the country.

They also demanded gallantry awards and compensation for the policemen, who countered terrorists.

Also in the day, Quran Khawani was held at the house of PML-N leader Tahir Khan Umarzai.

Meanwhile, a security alert was sounded in Shabqadar tehsil. Different markets and roads remained closed for the second day for security reasons.

Extra security measures were seen in place outside mosques during Friday prayers, while several markets remained closed in Shabqadar Bazaar.

The police told traders to inform them about the movement of suspected persons.

SECURITY DEMANDED: Owners of private schools in Charsadda have demanded foolproof security, arms permits and licences, and training of watchmen by the government. They also called for a ban on the sale of snacks on handcarts in front of schools.

The demands were made in a meeting called by the Private Educational Network, Charsadda City, here with the PEN’s city president, Mansoor Kausar, in the chair.

PEN general secretary Tahir Amin and other members of the network were also in attendance. The participants unanimously said instead of registering FIRs against private schools, the administration should cooperate with them for countering terrorism. They also demanded better police patrols around campuses during school hours.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2017