DERA GHAZI KHAN: Police claimed on Thursday to have arrested nine suspects out of 53 individuals booked on Wednesday in connection with clashes between the Sheikh and Wadani communities.

A civil court granted bail to two suspects, being minors, on bonds of Rs50,000 each. The remaining seven suspects were placed under two-day police remand.

The conflict erupted on March 5 in Block H, where an altercation between young boys escalated into gunfire. The police allegedly failed to intervene immediately, leading to a brutal assault on a man named Riaz Wadani.

In retaliation, members of the Wadani tribe reportedly held a gathering near DG Canal, where they planned further violence. On March 12, at around 4pm, a large group, led by Riaz Wadani, Momin Laghari and others, stormed Ghanta Ghar Bazaar.

Armed with weapons, they vandalised shops, damaged public property and moved into residential areas, including Block O and Block K, where they continued their rampage. Reports indicate that women were subjected to verbal abuse and harassment.

District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali took immediate action, forming a special investigation team led by SP Bakhtiar Ahmed Khan, DSP City Irfan Akbar, and DSP Kot Chutta Arshad Khan. As a result a case was registered against 23 identified suspects and 30 unidentified individuals.

Local traders have demanded strict action against those responsible. Former Deputy Mayor Sheikh Israr Ahmed, businessman Sheikh Muhammad Bilal and other community leaders have commended the police for their prompt response, urging authorities to prevent further violence.

DPO Syed Ali assured that law and order would be maintained at all costs. He visited affected areas, met with residents and ordered increased police patrols to prevent further incidents.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary General of Jamaat-i-Islami, Sheikh Usman Farooq, condemned the violence in a press conference, calling for a peaceful resolution.

In a bid to mediate, Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Federal Minister Huzaifa Rahman engaged with senior members of both communities, urging restraint and dialogue. Prominent Wadani leaders, including Haji Naseer Wadani and Haji Nazir Wadani, assured their cooperation. Representatives from the Sheikh community, including Sheikh Israr and Sheikh Zahoor Ahmed, sought time for internal consultation.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2025