3 killed, 5 soldiers injured in clash between security forces and PTM in North Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: Three people were killed and five soldiers injured in a clash between security forces and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) protesters on Sunday in North Waziristan.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a group led by Mohsin Javed and Ali Wazir, assaulted Kharqamar check post, Boyya, North Waziristan tribal district on Sunday morning.

"They wanted to exert pressure for the release of suspected terrorists’ facilitator arrested the other day. Troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post," said the Pakistan Army's media wing.

ISPR added five soldiers were injured due to the firing of the group.

ISPR further said that three individuals who attacked the check post lost their lives while the ten injured were evacuated to the Army hospital for treatment.

MNA Ali Wazir along with eight others have been arrested while Mohsin Javed is at large.

In a tweet DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said the innocent PTM supporters/workers need care. “Only few are inciting and using them against state institutions for vested agenda. No one will be allowed to undo the gains of decades long national struggle & sacrifices especially of brave Pakistani tribals.”

Advisor to Prime Minister on Information Firdaus Ashiq Awan called the attack on check posts as 'regrettable', and said that the action was an attempt to release terrorists.

"Some of the people have become agents of the foreign forces. They are misguiding people by doing propaganda against the state. The people of Pakistan will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Pak Army." she said.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari when asked about his comments on the issue, said that there should not be violence against peaceful protestors.

"We have the right to disagree with them but we have seen what happened to Balochistan during the Musharraf's time. Progressive politics is coming up in FATA it will be dangerous if we start calling traitor to our children," he said.

Awami National President Asfandyar Wali Khan in reaction to the development maintained that citizens have a right to protest hence the government should show seriousness in giving them basic rights.

"Government should adopt the culture of tolerance. Political friction is not good for the country," he said.