The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government in Pakistan was forced to remove two local officials after a large number of people took to the streets to protest against the murdering of two rights activists. The province is run by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI party. 

According to a report by The News International, the activist had raised the issues of drug business, car-lifting and other crimes, which were allegedly being carried out with the tacit patronage of local officials and influential families. People of the region had taken to the streets to protest against the murder of activists Mohammad Zada and Umar Hayat. The two activists were killed in separate incidents.

They demanded action against the administration and members of the mafia responsible for the murder of activists. They were angry that the government had failed to protect Mohammad Zada though he had expressed concerns following his bold stance against the mafias involved in drug business, car-lifting and other crimes, The News reported. 

The government subsequently removed Deputy Commissioner, Malakand, and Assistant Commissioner, Dargai, 
Minister for Information and Higher Education Kamran Bangash, "Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has taken strict notice against the murder of Muhammad Zada in Sakhakot. The DC and AC Malakand have been suspended and made OSD. An inquiry has also been ordered into the incident."