The bodies of three members of the Marwat Bettani Qaumi Tehreek, a local peace committee, were discovered near Tochi Bridge along Marwat Canal Road in the Bakakhel area of Bannu on Friday.
According to police officials, the victims were identified as Waliullah, Farmanullah, and Ataullah — all active members of the local peace committee. Authorities confirmed that the men had been missing for the past two days after reportedly being abducted by unidentified armed men from Peepal Bazaar, within the jurisdiction of the Cantt Police Station.
Police said that early Friday morning, local residents noticed suspicious activity near the canal and informed authorities. A team quickly reached the location and found three bodies lying in the open. The victims were later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for postmortem.
Initial reports indicate that the three men sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators suspect that the killings could be connected to militant activity in the region, given the victims’ role in assisting law enforcement against insurgent groups.
The Marwat Bettani Qaumi Tehreek has long worked alongside security forces to maintain stability in the area. Its members have frequently been targeted by extremists seeking to undermine community peace efforts. Locals say that these recurring attacks have created fear among residents who actively support anti-militant initiatives.
A senior police officer said that a large-scale search operation has been launched across Bannu and surrounding areas to trace those responsible. Checkpoints have been set up, and intelligence-based operations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Amid growing concerns about security, officials reiterated their resolve to bring the culprits to justice. “We will not allow such acts to destabilize the region,” a police spokesperson stated, assuring the public that peacekeeping efforts will continue.
The recent killings highlight the ongoing risks faced by local peace committees working against militancy in Pakistan’s northwestern districts. These community groups often serve as the first line of defense in areas vulnerable to extremist activity.
In a related development, the Pakistan Army recently eliminated 30 terrorists involved in the deadly Orakzai attack, reaffirming the state’s determination to root out militancy in all forms.
The tragic deaths of Waliullah, Farmanullah, and Ataullah serve as another reminder of the sacrifices made by those who continue to stand for peace despite grave personal danger
