LAKKI MARWAT—May 14, 2025: Unemployed youth and concerned citizens staged major protests in Bannu city on Tuesday, demanding justice and transparency in government matters. Youth protest teacher recruitment scam in Bannu.
Protest Over Teacher Recruitment Test Scandal
Hundreds of young men gathered in front of the Bannu Press Club, holding placards and raising slogans against alleged irregularities in the screening test for teacher recruitment.
Protest leaders, including Ishaq Khan and Mohammad Talha, claimed that on May 10, a district administration team caught 10 individuals red-handed, solving test papers at a private location, indicating major flaws in the system.
“We want the screening test cancelled and a full investigation launched without any political pressure,” the protestors demanded.
They also called for strict punishment for those involved in the cheating scandal.
Separate Protest Over Kidnapped Teacher
In a separate but related protest, residents of Bannu gathered at Paratee Gate to demand the safe recovery of a missing schoolteacher, Farman Ali Shah, who was kidnapped on April 23 by unknown assailants.
People from various neighborhoods joined the rally. Shops and businesses remained closed in several areas as traders also participated in solidarity.
Leaders from Jamaat-i-Islami and local elders like Mohammad Ibrahim, Pir Sahib Zaman, and Malik Adnan criticized law enforcement for failing to rescue the kidnapped teacher.
Drone Strike Sparks Anger
Protesters also condemned a recent drone strike in which 16 family members, including women and children, were injured. They demanded accountability for the incident.
Police Leadership Responds
Meanwhile, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan chaired a security meeting in Lakki Marwat, stressing that public support is essential to defeat terrorism.
He praised police officers for their bravery but warned against negligence.
“We must protect people and property. There is no room for carelessness,” he said.
The RPO also directed police to take firm action against criminal gangs, land grabbers, and drug dealers, and to increase security at all police stations.
✅ The people of Bannu demand justice, safety, and accountability — and they want it now.