In the Malik Din Khel area of Khyber’s Tirah region, a few days ago, three residents were abducted and subsequently killed by armed individuals. Local people report that elders and youth have come together to form a militia named “Lashkar Janood-ul-Khyber” to protect their land and individuals from terrorists.

In a statement issued by Janood-ul-Khyber, it was declared that anyone collaborating with terrorists would face action. The militia stated that those providing food, water, or shelter to terrorists would be considered adversaries.

Local residents have confirmed that the militia has garnered support from both local youth and elders. In the past, similar groups known as “Aman Lashkars” (Peace Militias) were formed in the former tribal areas to assist security forces in countering armed groups, but these were later disbanded by the government.

Recently, in other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as Dir and Lakki Marwat, locals have also risen against terrorists, vowing not to allow the killing of civilians, attacks on security forces, or other destructive activities in their regions.

The announcement of the militia’s formation in Khyber’s Tirah comes in the wake of the abduction of three young residents from Zangi village in the Malik Din Khel area: Naveed, son of Sher Ghulam; Ibrahim, son of Dr. Musavir; and Samad, son of Payo Gul.

Locals report that the bodies of these three individuals were found in the village after their killing. Among the victims, Naveed was the only son of his parents, and Ibrahim had been married just two weeks prior.
So far, no armed group has claimed responsibility for these killings.

History of Lashkars

Among Pashtun tribes, a lashkar typically refers to a group of armed fighters assembled for the defence, honor, or military objectives of their tribe, village, or region. This tradition is deeply rooted in the Pashtunwali code and the historical-cultural values of the Pashtun people.