BANNU: Four members of a local peace committee were shot dead by armed assailants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Tuesday, police confirmed.
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The incident occurred in the Gulbadin Landi Dak area, where the victims were travelling together in a single vehicle. According to a senior police official, gunmen opened “indiscriminate fire,” killing all four on the spot. Among the victims were a father and son, while the identities of the remaining two are being verified.
Local sources said that the peace committee had taken up arms in self-defense to counter militant activity in the area, contributing to heightened tensions. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, though officials cautioned it is too early to label the incident as terrorism.
Attacks on members of peace committees have reportedly been increasing across the region in recent months. In November 2025, seven people were killed when a peace committee office in Bannu was targeted, while in October a tribal peace committee member was killed in a clash with militants in the Ahmadzai area of the district.
Police in Bannu have appealed to local residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities. Security measures are being reviewed to prevent further incidents, as peace committee members often serve as local intermediaries between communities and law enforcement in areas affected by militant activity.
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Officials emphasized that maintaining stability and protecting civilians remains a priority, while also acknowledging the risks faced by those participating in local security initiatives. The investigation is ongoing, and further details on the victims and perpetrators are expected in the coming days.