LAKKI MARWAT: Political, social activists and elders on Monday condemned the killing of a truck driver by highwaymen in Darra Pezu town here on Saturday night, and asked the provincial government to increase police strength for safety of passengers and transporters on roads.

Shahjee Khan hailing from North Waziristan district lost his life when robbers opened fire at him after he offered resistance on Peshawar-Karachi highway.

On Feb 28, highwaymen had also killed a truck driver from Balochistan at the same place.

Though the police with the help of security forces have contained militancy to some extent, thefts and robberies have gained frequency over last several months.

“The police avoid night patrol fearing being targeted by militants, thus giving bandits free hand to loot citizens,” a political activist said. He said Lakki city had seen an uptick in bike thefts and other street crimes, but the police were unable to bridle the criminal gangs.

A social activist, Liaqat Sayam said lawlessness had forced people to settle in other parts of the country. “Though peace bodies have been formed with night patrolling by armed villagers, there is no let-up in robberies,” he added.

He said residents, political and civil society organisations held demonstrations against rising street crime, but to no avail.

MPA Dr Hisham Inamullah Khan and Ghaznikhel tehsil council chairman Zeeshan Mohammad Khan condemned the murder of North Waziristan resident, and asked the government to take practical steps to control robberies and eliminate perpetrators.

PTI MPA Johar Mohammad Khan denounced the killing and said he had brought the growing lawlessness in Lakki into the notice of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He asked the youth to play their role in eradicating crimes from the district.

Marwat Bitanni Tehreek chairman Inamullah held the local political elite responsible for the poor law and order as they failed to launch any project for youth’s welfare.

He asked the police to tighten the noose around bandits’ gangs.

He also demanded of the government to increase police strength.

ARRESTED: The police on Monday arrested a man while trying to flee after killing a man in Bannu.

An official said after exchanging arguments over some matter, Arsalan opened fire on Luqman with a pistol in Tanchi Bazaar, killing him on the spot.

He said the killer tried to flee but the police overpowered him.

The official said the body was handed over to relatives after completing medico-legal formalities in the District Headquarters Hospital.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2024