MINGORA: The Swat Qaumi Jirga has condemned the targeted killing of Awami National Party (ANP) Tehsil Kabal Vice President Fatahullah Khan and his associate Farman, calling it an act of terrorism and a grim reminder of the fragile security situation in the region.
The condemnation was voiced at a special meeting of the Qaumi Jirga’s core committee held in Mingora under the chairmanship of senior leader Abdul Jabbar Khan. The meeting was attended by prominent tribal and political elders, including Mukhtar Khan Yousafzai, Sher Shah Khan, Abdul Qahar Khan, Zahid Khan, Abdul Khaliq Khan, Ahmad Shah Khan, Sher Bahadur Khan, Khwaja Khan, Shamsher Ali Khan, Iqbal Hussain Balay, Javed Bhai Jan, Haider Ali, Salahuddin Khan, Umar Ali Yousafzai, Akhtar Ali Khan, Dr Khalid Mehmood, Hanif Qais, and Khurshid Kaka Ji.
During the meeting, the participants expressed grave concern over what they described as a long-standing imposition of “artificial terrorism” in Swat and the broader Malakand Division.The jirga leaders alleged that the roots of this unrest lie in the state’s internal and external policies, which, they alleged, were being used as instruments to exploit the region’s vast natural resources and fertile lands.
“This is not indigenous violence; it is systematically manufactured to serve specific geopolitical and economic interests,” said one elder. “Our patience has run out. The people of Swat will no longer remain silent.” The jirga criticized what it sees as deliberate negligence by the authorities about the reported presence and free movement of militants in mountainous areas of Swat and nearby regions.
They called on the state to abandon its current approach and instead focus on genuine peace-building through justice, transparency, and respect for local rights.
In a strongly worded statement, the Qaumi Jirga demanded that immediate and credible action against terrorist elements reportedly operating in the area, and added that adequate resources and authority should be provided for local police to counter terrorism effectively. The jirga demanded the Immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings of Fatahullah Khan and Farman.
The jirga issued an ultimatum to the government that if the culprits were not arrested within two weeks, a grand assembly of political, national, and social leaders from across Swat would be convened on May 31 to decide on a future strategy. Following the meeting, jirga representatives visited the homes of the slain leaders to offer condolences and solidarity to their families.
Mukhtar Khan Yousafzai addressed the condolence gathering, reaffirming the jirga’s commitment to justice and lasting peace in the region. Special prayers were also offered for the martyrs of the recent incidents, including those who lost their lives in the Katlang tragedy.
