Peshawar, June 6: Tensions remain high in Pakistan’s Khyber district following the murder of two individuals. Anger has surged among the Zakhakhel tribe, leading them to block the main highway to Torkham and declare their intention to take up arms for self-defense.
According to Pakistan’s leading English daily, Dawn, the protest was led by local tribal elder Malik Abdullah Khan. It saw participation from political party activists, numerous social workers, and a large number of local residents. The demonstrators announced that armed tribesmen would patrol their areas and take security matters into their own hands.
The protesters also decided to impose a complete ban on motorcycle riding in the region. Additionally, all government employees associated with the Zakhakhel tribe were instructed to refrain from attending their duties until lasting peace is restored.
Furthermore, tribal leaders declared a boycott of the polio vaccination campaign and announced the closure of all government and private schools in the Zakhakhel area.
The highway blockade has negatively impacted the repatriation process for Afghan families, with many vehicles transporting Afghans now stranded.
Tribal elders criticized security forces for conducting raids on homes and arresting innocent people under the guise of cleanup operations. They alleged that local residents patrol the streets with weapons at night, yet law enforcement agencies have failed to curb these activities.
This protest erupted after the murder of two individuals late Friday evening in the Sultan Khel area of Landi Kotal. According to police, both victims were relatives, shot by motorcycle-riding assailants outside their home. The attackers fled to nearby mountainous areas.
Police reported that this incident marks the third of its kind since Ramadan. Previously, unknown gunmen targeted two police officers and a teenage relative of a police official in the same area.
Protesters stated they would not engage in discussions with any government officials until effective action is taken against suspects hiding in the Marzina and surrounding areas.
Leave a Comment