Pakistan security forces use tear gas, live ammunition against KP protesters

Security personnel deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters, officials said, following the imposition of emergency measures in the region. The deployment of live rounds represents a significant escalation in the authorities' response to demonstrations, which have been ongoing in the volatile northwestern area.

The exact circumstances triggering the emergency declaration remain unclear, though the province has witnessed recurring periods of civil unrest and security operations in recent months. Emergency declarations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically grant security forces expanded operational latitude, often resulting in stricter crowd control measures.

The use of live ammunition against civilians has drawn concern from rights observers, who have repeatedly flagged the potential for civilian casualties during emergency operations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has long been a flashpoint for tensions between security forces and various protest movements, reflecting broader political and security challenges in the region.

No immediate casualty figures were available, and details regarding the number of protesters confronted or the full scope of security operations remained limited. Authorities have not yet issued formal statements explaining the circumstances of the emergency declaration or the deployment of force.