KHYBER: The Bar Qambarkhel tribe in the restive Tirah valley here has announced the formation of an armed group to counter increasing threats from the outlawed terrorist groups and punish those patronising and harbouring such elements.

The development came only a day after the killing of three young Malakdinkhel tribesmen by terrorists on charges of spying on them.

A video circulating on social media since Friday evening showed a Bar Qambarkhel elder, Malik Kamaluddin, announce the creation of Lashkar-i-Junudul Khyber in front of a tribal gathering and dilate upon its objectives.

“We’ve got credible information about the supporters of terrorist groups and those spying for them. They’re given three days’ time to prove their innocence or face action by the new lashkar,” he said.

The elder, however, said there would be a general amnesty for those publicly repenting of their past bad deeds.

He warned that those failing to appear before the Bar Qambarkhel council in accordance with the local traditions would be “abducted and executed.”

“We will not spare even those who would provide shelter and food to terrorists in their houses. They’ll be considered enemies of our tribe,” he said.

Mr Kamaluddin urged residents to help the newly-formed lashkar restore lasting peace in the valley by defeating the “monster of terrorism.”

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2025