BANNU: A poor labourer driving a Qingqi rickshaw was killed after being caught in crossfire during an alleged police encounter near Kurram Bridge in Bannu on Thursday.
The incident occurred near Nezam Bazaar, within the jurisdiction of Basiakhel police station, where unidentified armed men opened fire on traffic police personnel deployed at the bridge.
According to available information, the police returned fire and chased the attackers. During the exchange of fire, the rickshaw driver, Nazirullah Khan, son of Noor Khan a resident of Dirma Khel Surani, was killed.
Following the incident, the deceased’s relatives and local residents placed his body on Bannu-Kohat Road and staged a protest, blocking the road to all types of traffic and disrupting the flow of vehicles.
The protesters said Nazirullah Khan earned his livelihood by driving a rickshaw and supported his family through his daily earnings. They added that his death had left the family without its sole breadwinner and primary source of income.
The bereaved family demanded of the government to provide financial assistance and compensation to Nazirullah Khan’s dependents, including a special relief package similar to the one given to the families of police personnel martyred in terrorist incidents. They said the financial assistance was essential to support his orphaned children and help meet their basic needs.
Meanwhile, on the directives of Bannu Division Commissioner Naeemullah Khan, the assistant commissioner held negotiations with the protesters. The administration assured the bereaved family that their demand for compensation and financial assistance would be addressed.
Following the negotiations, the protesters called off their demonstration and reopened the road to traffic.
SSC EXAM: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Bannu has issued a revised date sheet for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Annual-II examinations 2026, which will commence on October 22 and continue until November 25, 2026.
According to controller of examinations Muhammad Farooq Khan, the new dates have been announced through a revised date sheet.
Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026
