Parachinar sit-in called off after meeting with COAS

PARACHINAR: The days-long sit-in in Parachinar was called off on Friday evening by the protesters after a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.  

The sit-in was staged in the city by the families and residents to protest against the lack of security and continued terrorist attacks after a twin bombing on June 23 killed dozens. 

A committee will be formed to address the grievances of the local population, said Allama Muzamil Hussain, a tribal representative. 

Those killed in the firing incident will be given the martyr's package and their family members will be allotted government employment. 

Hussain added that those affected by terrorism will be given a compensation package as given in other parts of the country. 

Meanwhile, on the direction of PM Nawaz, the finance minister has released Rs 200 million compensatory money for Parachinar blast victims. According to details released to media, FATA Secretariat has received the money. 

It informed that family of those killed in blasts will Rs1 million and families of those injured will get Rs0.5 million. 

Earlier today, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also reached Parachinar and assured locals while addressing a Jirgah that steps are being taken to make Parachinar a safe city.

COAS Bajwa expressed his grief at the loss of innocent lives as a result of recent terrorist attacks in the city and promised to compensate the victims of terrorist bombings fairly.

The Army Chief reaffirmed that the affected of Parachinar terrorist incidents would be given aid equal to other areas of the country.

At least 75 people lost their lives and over 300 were injured in the back-to-back bombings that hit the city on June 23. The first blast occurred as people were busy shopping for Iftar and Eid in the Turi Bazaar area, close to a crowded bus terminal in Parachinar.

The second explosion took place as people rushed to provide aid and rescue the wounded from the first explosion.