KHYBER: The activists of different political parties are busy in hectic efforts to make the July 25 peace rally a success with participation of maximum number of people from both Tirah and Bara.

Bara Siyasi Ittehad (BSI) had announced on July 18 to organise a peace march from Bara to Bagh-Maidan Markaz of Tirah after alleged surge in incidents of targeted killing and extortion with free movement of suspected militants in different parts of the valley, situated close to Afghan border.

Sources in Bagh-Maidan Markaz told Dawn that a large number of members of different political parties already reached the valley two days ahead of the rally while preparations were afoot to mobilise maximum number of Tirah residents to participate in the march.

They said that organisers were yet to select a site for the gathering while most BSI leaders were in favour of a venue close to Bagh-Maidan Markaz, the main and oldest business centre of Tirah.

PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen reaches Bara to participate in the march

Nauroz Khan, a Malakdinkhel elder, told Dawn that an extensive social media campaign was run by the organisers to spread the message about the peace rally, the first of its type organised by the alliance of political parties in Tirah.

Local elders, clerics, traders, shopkeepers and even teachers have announced their full support to peace rally.

Haji Haleem Khan, president of traders union, said in a video message that their businesses were badly affected by the deteriorating law and order situation and it was time to raise voice for restoration of lasting peace in Tirah and Bara.

Haji Sher Bahadar, a tribal elder in his video message, appealed to people of all the tribes of Tirah to ensure their participation in the rally.

“We have had enough with offering funeral prayers of innocent people targeted by militants and this inhuman and un-Islamic practice shall stop forever,” he said.

Sources said that Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leader Manzoor Pashteen had also arrived in Bara and would leave for Tirah anytime to participate in the peace rally.

However, they said that it was not confirmed if he would be permitted to enter Tirah as all visitors were stopped and asked about the purpose of their visit to the valley at checkposts established on the main road leading to the area.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2023