There has been a sharp increase in violence since the new government took over despite claims by law enforcement agencies and political figures who recently assumed power.
During the current calendar year, more than 460 acts of violence were registered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and adjacent tribal regions, killing at least 1660 people. Major acts of violence were registered during months of April, May and June. However, the situation, according to data revealed, remained peaceful compared to April and May. Even on May 11, when people were busy in casting votes, more than 40 acts of violence registered in KP alone and its adjacent tribal areas.
In June, more than 29 acts of violence were registered in the region whereas a suicide attack on funeral procession proved most fatal, killing over 40 people. Independent MPA Imran Mohmand was killed in the tragic suicide attack, Imran Mohmand become the second MPA after May 11, 2013 election to fall victim to terrorism. Earlier, another independent MPA Farid Khan from Hangu was shot dead on June 3.
Farid Khan, after winning polls had joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) whereas Imran Mohmand had maintained his independent position. Farid Khan was associated to banned Ahli Sunnat and his death resulted in widespread violence and demonstrations in Hangu. At least nine persons were killed in post-Farid Khan assassination protests and agitations.
Besides the Mardan suicide attack, killing of at least four polio vaccinators also occurred in June. Two lady volunteers were killed in Peshawar and two male volunteers were killed in Swabi. In Swabi, a policeman, while protecting polio vaccinators, also fell victim to target killing. Similarly, six people were killed when militants attacked NATO containers at Jamrud Khyber Agency.
From January 2013 till May 31, the Regional Institute of Policy Research and Training (RIPRT) has recorded 431 acts of violence in which 1490 people were killed throughout KP and Federally Administrative Tribal Areas (FATA). It said that in 283 acts of violence KP, 699 people were killed whereas 791 were killed in 148 acts registered in FATA.
PTI leaders, especially the chief minister and his cabinet members, have been vocal about negotiating a settlement to solve the issue of terrorism but they have yet to initiate practical steps for the purpose.
