BAJAUR: A peace rally was held here the other day, with the participants demanding the authorities to take tangible steps to bring to an end the targeted killings and other incidents of violence in the Bajaur district.

The rally, organised jointly by youth leaders, social activists and workers of different political parties, was held in the remote Shago area of War Mamond tehsil.

People from different walks of life also attended the rally in large numbers, which turned into a crowded gathering.

The participants, with someholding white flags denoting peace, also chanted slogans against the `growing lawlessness` in the region.

Awami National Party central leader and religious figure Maulana Khanzeb, ANP local chapter deputy general secretary Sayed Sadiq Akbar Jan, Jamaat-i-1slami leader Maulana Sahib Jan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-1nsaf leader Malik Najeebullah Khan, Malik Riaz Khan, Said Mohammad and others spoke on the occasion.

They said the people of Bajaur had long been calling for efforts to arrestthe precar-ious law and order situation, but the authorities failed to fulfill their responsibility of ensuring a peaceful environment for the residents.

The speakers observed that the poor law and order situation in the district was causing a sense offear and insecurity among its residents.

They said the prevailing precarious situation was also affecting the socioeconomic condition of the residents as trade and business activities needed a peaceful environment to flourish.

The participants pointed outthat a number of people had been killed in violence-related incidents over the past several years.

However, they alleged that the authorities concerned had yet to arrest any culprit.

The participants said the people cravedfor peace and normalcy, and vowed to continue their efforts to push the authorities to take tangible and result-oriented steps for bringing durable peace to the region.

They also announced to extend their support to the government in establishing peace intheregion.-Correspondent