SWABI: Speakers at a peace conference here on Tuesday demanded of the government to provide security to the residents of the district.

The conference, organised by Swabi Bar Association (SBA), was attended by leaders of various political parties, peace and human rights activists, experts, officials of judiciary, police and district administration.

It was for the first time that local leaders of political parties, police and district administration gathered on a single platform for peace. The participants of the conference called for maintenance of law and order in the district and end to incidents of killing that disturbed peaceful environment on one hand and pushed youth to the shadows of a bleak future on the other.

Advocate Salim Khan, former provincial general secretary of Awami National Party, said on the occasion that it was astounding that elected representatives and ministers belonging to district were absent from the peace conference.

Speakers urge govt to protect public life

He said that elected representatives had taken votes from people but they failed to grace the gathering.

“Three people were killed in broad daylight in front of judicial complex and the accused were set free. Similarly, a man killed his mother inside judicial complex in honour-related case and his dispute settlement was accepted by the court,” he said.

Dr Yaseen Khalil said that security was a serious issue and failure of state to main law and order had shaken the very roots of society.

Ghulam Haqqani, mayor of Razaar tehsil, said that hooligans were openly warning locals that they would kill them at Swabi Chowk, making it clear what was the prevailing situation in the district as ice-drug was sold in streets.

Two ice-drug addicts were recently released, one killed his father in Kalu Khan and the other killed his neighbour in Maneri, he said.

Masood Jabar, former deputy general secretary of Qaumi Watan Party, said that he was really astonished that Swabi deputy commissioner was sitting in his office while saying that he was son of the soil but he did not bother to participate in the conference.

Azhar Khan, the district police officer, said that he suspended three policemen against whom complaints were lodged on Monday and Tuesday and police would continue to play due role in provision of security to people.

JUI-F district general secretary Noorul Islam said that police failed to play their role in maintenance of peace.

Mahmoodul Hassan, a JI leader, said that every SHO knew as to who was killer, drug peddler and thief in his area.

Advocate Arshad Khan, a leader of PkMAP, said that all stakeholders should put their heads together for restoration of peace.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025