Protesters Demand Action After Two Men Killed
Zakhakhel tribesmen blocked the main highway leading to Torkham on Saturday after two men were killed in a targeted attack in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The protest was led by local tribal elder Malak Abdullah Khan. Scores of tribesmen, political workers, civil society members, and local residents joined the demonstration. The protesters said the road blockade would continue until the attackers were arrested and the area was cleared of suspected militant elements.
The protest began after two relatives were shot dead in the Sultan Khel area of Landi Kotal late on Friday evening. According to police, armed men riding motorcycles opened fire on the two men outside their house. Both victims died on the spot, while the attackers escaped towards a nearby hilly area.
Police later launched a search operation in the area. However, the incident increased anger among local residents, who accused authorities of failing to protect the community.
Armed Patrols and Local Restrictions Announced
During the protest, Zakhakhel elders announced that armed volunteers would patrol local areas for self-defence. They also announced a complete ban on motorcycle riding in the area.
The protesters barred government employees belonging to the Zakhakhel tribe from performing official duties until a lasting solution for peace was found. They also called for the closure of government and private schools in the Zakhakhel area.
The elders further announced a boycott of polio vaccination campaigns. They said they would not meet any government official until a serious crackdown was launched against suspected militants in Mazreena and nearby areas.
Local police personnel were also advised not to wear uniforms to avoid being targeted. The protesters announced a fine of Rs1 million for anyone found spying for outlawed militant groups or law enforcement agencies.
Road Closure Disrupts Torkham Movement
The closure of the highway caused serious disruption on the route to Torkham. The repatriation of Afghan families was also suspended, leaving several vehicles carrying Afghan nationals stranded.
Zakhakhel elders also criticised recent raids on private residences. They said armed local men had been patrolling the main road at night due to rising security fears.
The latest killing is the third incident of its kind in the area since Ramazan. Earlier, unidentified gunmen targeted two policemen and a teenage relative of a police officer in the same region.
The protest has highlighted growing public frustration over targeted killings and worsening security conditions in Khyber. Local residents say they want immediate arrests, stronger protection, and a permanent peace plan for their area.
