Bannu: The people of Tehsil Spinwam, Torri Mirali, led by young social activist Waliullah, staged a peaceful protest yesterday on Main Toll Mirali Road, blocking traffic. The protest was organized against Maari Energies and SNGPL, which, despite multi-billion rupee gas and energy projects in the area, have allegedly deprived the local population of their rightful benefits. The protesters stated that the community has not received royalties, local employment opportunities, education, health, or development facilities, while all profits are reportedly limited to a few influential owners and contractors. According to them, they have been raising their voices for the past 21 months, yet no action has been taken. Rufan Khan
During the protest, Anwar Afridi, the main contractor of Maari Energies, was specifically named, with allegations of unpaid dues amounting to crores of rupees. The protesters made it clear that no new work, including the Reg Spinwam-3 project, would be allowed until all pending dues are fully paid.
Speaking on the occasion, Waliullah said that the community is not against development but is peacefully demanding its legitimate rights. The protesters urged the concerned authorities to take immediate notice, warning that if their demands are not addressed, the protest would be escalated further.
