CHARSADDA: A rally was held here on Saturday to express solidarity with the armed forces and pay tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.
Syed Masoom Shah Bacha, who contested election from PK-65 constituency as an independent candidate, led the Pakistan Zindabad rally.
Addressing the participants of the rally, Masoom Shah said he wanted peace, development and prosperity in the country.
He said one of the key points of his political agenda was to express solidarity with the personnel of the Pakistan Army and martyrs of various institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the nation took pride in its martyrs and acknowledged their sacrifices for the country’s security and peace.
Commenting on political protests, he said demonstrations were a democratic right of every citizen and political party. However, he questioned the use of public resources for political purposes and the holding of repeated protest marches and rallies, stressing that public welfare and the effective utilisation of government resources should remain priorities.
Expressing concern over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said the province was facing challenges including debt, unemployment and lawlessness. He alleged that effective measures were not being taken to counter terrorism, despite the sacrifices being rendered by army personnel and police officials.
He criticised the provincial government and called for a clear and effective policy to address the security situation and honour the sacrifices of the martyrs.
He also called for serious consideration of the future of the provincial government, saying that the options of governor’s rule or the imposition of an emergency should be examined.
Referring to Pakistan’s regional defence role and its commitment to protecting the holy sites in Saudi Arabia, Mr Bacha said the country’s defence institutions played a vital role in safeguarding national security.
He called on the nation to remain united and extend its support to the armed forces amid the prevailing situation.
Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2026
