At least five killed, 16 injured as protest turns deadly in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

At least five people were killed and 16 others wounded when gunfire was opened on protesters in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley on Sunday, authorities and local sources said.

The demonstration began after a young girl was reportedly killed in a suspected mortar shell strike a day earlier in the Khyber district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Her death triggered public outrage, prompting residents to march toward key security points.

Initially, protesters gathered at the Momand Ghwas checkpoint, placing the girl's body at the site as a form of protest. They later moved to the central Bagh area near the Brigade Headquarters, where the shooting took place.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the protest started peacefully, with locals expressing genuine grievances. However, he claimed that militants later infiltrated the crowd and opened fire.

"The assault was part of a broader effort to fuel tensions between residents and security forces, disrupt state authority, and destabilize the already fragile peace in the region," the official said.

The deaths sparked widespread condemnation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the killings as a "cowardly act" by extremist elements. He ordered immediate medical treatment for the wounded and promised justice for the victims.

“These heinous acts of terrorism will not weaken our resolve,” Sharif said in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. “We will not rest until terrorism and its perpetrators are completely eliminated.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed sorrow over the loss of life and announced the formation of a jirga — or tribal council — to be held in Peshawar.

“This will allow the government to listen to local sentiments and address their concerns,” Gandapur said. “The government remains committed to ensuring lasting peace, public safety, and mutual respect.”

He said recent deliberations at an All Parties Conference had also discussed such incidents and offered key recommendations.

The provincial government announced financial compensation of PKR 10 million (about $36,000) for the family of each person killed, and PKR 2.5 million (about $9,000) for each injured person.

Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, Inspector General of the Frontier Corps (North), visited the hospital to check on the injured.

FC North

A jirga was later convened between tribal elders and security officials to ease tensions. Tribal leaders presented five demands: registration of a police report (FIR) against those responsible for the girl’s death and the shooting of protesters, removal of security forces from civilian homes, a ban on drone surveillance, an end to alleged harassment at checkpoints, and financial support for the victims' families.

Security officials reportedly agreed to a full and transparent investigation, leading to the end of the protest.