Peshawar students protest after schoolmate shot dead by robbers

On Thursday, students from Edward College, Peshawar, gathered to protest against the murder of their fellow student who was killed in broad daylight on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old student, Hasan Tariq, was on his way home after school in a rickshaw when two robbers stopped him and asked for his phone. Tariq, however, resisted, so they shot him on the spot.

Dawn reported that the incident took place in the red zone area which encapsulates the provincial assembly, Peshawar High Court, Corps Commander House, Governor’s House and other government offices.

The students demonstrated outside Peshawar Press Club, had closed Saddar Road for the time being, while some protested outside the provincial assembly.

The young protesters held placards, chanted slogans, and raised concerns about the increasing crime rate in Peshawar. They also condemned the police administration and called for justice for their school-mate.

Tariq’s parents were also present at the demonstration.

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan has taken notice of the incident.

According to a statement, he ordered suspension of the relevant station house officer and directed the police chief to submit a report into the student’s killing.

“Those involved in the murder will be arrested and brought to justice,” Khan stated.

Simultaneously, the caretaker minister for information, Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel, visited the Manga Dargai area of Charsadda district, the native village of Hasan Tariq.

He also visited Edwards College and met with Principal Shujaat Ali Khan and other faculty members.