Web Desk: Hundreds of people took part in a protest rally in Dargai, Malakand district, on Tuesday, voicing concerns over rising living costs, unemployment, electricity outages and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The demonstration was organised by the United Trade Union Dargai and the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Malakand. Organisers estimated that around 600 to 650 people participated in the protest.
The protesters gathered at about 10 a.m. and marched through the area while raising slogans over economic and public-service concerns.
During the demonstration, participants burned tyres and called for measures to address inflation, unemployment and prolonged power outages. They also voiced concerns about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and raised political slogans directed at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
Among those attending were United Trade Union Dargai President Asfandyar Khan, General Secretary Ghulam Hussain, provincial transport president Fazal Jameel and Dargai Press Club President Zahir Shah.
Protesters also demanded improved security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Malakand, while calling for greater attention to health and education.
Their slogans included demands for peace in the province and Malakand, opposition to rising prices and power outages, and calls for the PTI-led provincial administration to prioritise health and education.
The demonstration comes amid wider public and business-sector protests in Malakand Division over economic pressures and taxation. Traders from across the division have separately announced further action, including a planned protest at Chakdara on Oct. 7 over tax measures.
The Dargai rally highlights several issues that have increasingly featured in protests across the region, including the cost of living, electricity bills, taxation and public services.
Meanwhile, the planned Chakdara protest indicates that demonstrations over economic and taxation-related concerns are continuing to gather momentum across Malakand Division.
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