MAIMANA, Afghanistan, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Seven protesters were injured after security forces opened fire at a rally in northern Faryab provincial capital of Maimana on Wednesday, a local media outlet reported.

"At least seven protesters have been wounded so far and the number of casualties is expected to rise," Ariana News quoted deputy of Faryab Provincial Council, Abdul Ahad Elbik, as saying.

According to the media outlet, a number of people gathered and staged the protest against the arrest of Nezamuddin Qaisari, police chief of Qaisar district who was arrested on Monday. The protesters called for Qaisari's immediate release.

Citing Elbik, Ariana News added that the guards of National Directorate for Security or the country's national spy agency opened fire on protesters and injured at least seven people.

No security officials have made a comment on the report.?