In the scenic yet troubled Tirah Valley of Khyber district, the menace of the Khawarij—a term used locally to refer to extremist militants—continues to cast a long, grim shadow over innocent lives. Despite a series of successful operations by security forces, these militants retaliate by targeting civilians, keeping the region in a state of fear and despair. Yet, amid this brutality, a troubling silence persists—one that speaks volumes of fear, complicity, or both.
The most recent tragedy occurred just a day ago when a young man named Sajid was abducted and brutally murdered by the Khawarij on allegations of spying. His death, however, sparked neither protest nor condemnation from the local population—only a heavy silence that has become all too common in the region.
This was not an isolated incident. Previously in the same valley, a young girl was struck by a stray bullet fired in the air. However, certain elements distorted the incident, spreading misinformation on social media and accusing security forces of launching mortar attacks—an act that incited public agitation against the state.
In March 2025, militants publicly humiliated two individuals in Tirah by shaving their heads, accusing them of not fasting during Ramadan. Earlier, on 28 January 2025, three locals were executed in Shalobar Qambar Abad, Bara, for allegedly collaborating with the government, while two others were injured in the attack.
In yet another heinous act, militants abducted and killed Haji Sher Mohammad, a well-respected and peace-loving figure from the Tirah Bazaar and head of the local traders’ community. Following his killing, the commander of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Gul Amin, issued public threats during Friday prayers at Sher Alam Mosque in Syed Khel Karappa, warning the people of a similar fate if they were found cooperating with the government.
The valley has witnessed more horror. On 14 December 2024, a youth from the Zakha Khel tribe was beheaded on accusations of espionage. Then, on 28 October 2025, militants launched a drone attack on the Peer Mela Bazaar, killing two children and injuring thirteen civilians—most of them minors, five of whom belonged to a single family.
Despite these atrocities, not a single organised protest has taken place in Khyber, particularly in Tirah. On the contrary, elements associated with groups like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) have been accused of inciting the people of Khyber against the state while remaining conspicuously silent on the barbarism of the militants.
This deafening silence has raised serious concerns among those who still believe in the region’s potential for peace. Locals are urged to recognise their true allies and stand united with the security forces in the battle against these extremists. The Khawarij and those who aid or abet them—whether through propaganda or silence—pose an equal threat to the hard-earned peace of the region.
Only the patriotic people of Khyber, especially the brave tribes of Tirah, can play a pivotal role in eradicating this plague. Their support for the armed forces is vital in ensuring a future free from fear, where peace is not just a distant hope but a lived reality.
