PESHAWAR: The police used batons and tear gas to stop a “peace march” heading from Khyber tribal district towards Peshawar to demand restoration of peace and the early return of the displaced families to the Tirah Valley.

The Khyber residents had gathered here under the banner of the Bara Political Alliance. Activists of different political parties also attended the march.

When the protesters reached the Peshtakhara Chowk on the busy Ring Road, the police started firing tear gas shells to stop their further advance. The peace marchers observed a sit in on the Ring Road and blocked it for traffic.

The alliance’s president, Hashim Khan, led the protest.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Khan alleged that residents of Khyber had been facing violence for the last many years.

Realising the seriousness of the situation, the authorities held negotiations with the protesters, making them disperse.

Haji Shireen, a leader of the alliance, said that during the talks, it was decided to hold a jirga next Friday to improve the law and order situation in Bara and Akakhel.

He added that a formal announcement regarding the return of the Tirah displaced families would also be made during the same jirga.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026