Police fired live rounds at a PTI rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, killing a 32‑year‑old man and wounding dozens, according to Khyber District Police Officer Waqar Ahmed.
The protest erupted after the province was placed under governor’s rule and a state of emergency, sidelining PTI chief Sohail Afridi and tightening the grip of military chief Asim Munir on the region.
Video footage showed officers chasing demonstrators, some being struck with batons while others were forced to flee. A mother of three, caught in the crossfire, was taken to Hayatabad Medical Complex, where a doctor reported more than a dozen injuries, including four policemen.
PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi said 11 party workers were injured and one dead, while police claimed they fired only warning shots. The National Database and Registration Authority office in Bara Bazaar was torched, and 15 police were reportedly held hostage, taking their weapons and uniforms.
Authorities have detained 50 protesters and are investigating the use of force, with the provincial cabinet slated to review police tactics in a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.