LAKKI MARWAT: Panic gripped tourists and area people when armed men started firing in the air at Shaikh Badin hill station, the only tourist resort in southern region of the province.

The incident occurred during Eid days. It came to light when a video went viral, prompting an MPA from DI Khan, Faisal Amin Gandapur, to approach the provincial police chief for action against the people involved in the incident.

In a video clip, young men could be seen firing in the air with assault rifles and some tourists running for cover. Shaikh Badin hill station, located at the junction of Lakki Marwat and DI Khan districts, is the only tourist resort in southern region and now being developed as a national park.

People from Tank, DI Khan and other adjoining districts also visit the place due to its altitude and favourable weather during summer.

Mr Gandapur took notice of the incident and wrote to the IGP, seeking action against the culprits.

In his letter to the IGP, the lawmaker claimed that groups of criminals had been indulging in firing in the air with AK47 rifles at the hill station besides harassment of tourists.

He also urged him to make the British era police station located at Shaikh Badin Top it operational.

Afterwards, Darra Pezu police booked three people for the offence.

According to the FIR, a police party on routine patrolling heard firing in the air. They later learnt that Irfan, Akhtar and Zahid, residents of Darra Pezu, were allegedly involved in the illegal act.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2020