Web Desk: Two Levies personnel were injured in a firing incident in Malakand involving security guards associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial lawmaker Shakil Khan, officials said.
The incident has added to political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as PTI prepares for a planned protest in Islamabad on Sept. 27.
Authorities have registered a case against Shakil Khan and others in connection with the incident, while senior officials have ordered action against those allegedly involved.
According to officials, gunfire was exchanged during the incident, leaving two Levies personnel injured.
Videos purportedly showing the firing and the presence of guards accompanying the provincial lawmaker have also circulated on social media.
Authorities said the incident had been taken seriously and that those found responsible would face legal action. Officials also ruled out any special concession for people involved in an attack on Levies personnel.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are expected to be examined as part of the investigation.
The incident came after PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar made strong remarks while discussing the party’s planned Sept. 27 mobilisation in Islamabad.
Akbar said PTI supporters would approach the federal capital through multiple routes and urged party workers to remain prepared for the protest.
During his speech, he also used the phrase “turn Islamabad into Somnath” while referring to the planned demonstration, prompting criticism from government figures.
The federal government has repeatedly said that peaceful political activity would be allowed but warned that authorities would respond to acts involving violence, threats to public safety or damage to property.
The government and PTI remain at odds over the planned mobilisation, with the opposition party continuing to press its political demands and the authorities preparing security arrangements for the protest.
The Malakand shooting has further heightened concerns over tensions surrounding the upcoming demonstration. However, the precise circumstances of the firing and the responsibility of individual suspects remain matters for investigators to establish.
Read more: Faisal Karim Kundi condemns PTI rhetoric over Islamabad protest
