Protests in Peshawar over the lack of authority for elected local government representatives and the non-provision of funds have escalated, with demonstrators facing violent dispersal tactics from the police.
The protests - led by local government representatives - began at Jinnah Park and quickly escalated as the protesters made their way to the vicinity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
As the crowd gathered outside the assembly building, the situation turned tense. Police, equipped with water cannons and armored vehicles, attempted to disperse the crowd by firing tear gas shells when protesters attempted to breach the red zone, the area surrounding key government buildings, which is strictly off-limits to the public.
To prevent further escalation, authorities blocked traffic lanes on both sides of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Road. Protesters, comprising elected local representatives and concerned citizens, shouted slogans calling for immediate reforms and an increase in funding for local governance.
A heavy contingent of police officers was deployed to control the situation, with several vehicles for prisoner transport stationed nearby.
The use of water cannons added to the chaos as protesters continued to voice their anger against what they described as the government's failure to empower local authorities or allocate necessary funds for essential services.
