Bangash elders call for peaceful resolution of land dispute By Sajjad Kazmi

Elders of the Shalozan Bangash tribe in Kurram district have urged the government to implement decisions already made regarding their land dispute and ensure that the tribe is granted its lawful rights.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Parachinar Press Club, leaders of the Shalozan Bangash tribe, including Malik Qazi Syed Iftikhar, Sheikh Gulfam, Malik Mumtaz Ali, Malik Naib Hussain, Malik Yousaf, Haji Bahar and Principal Rauf Hussain, said the Bangash tribe had been settled in Kurram for approximately 1,300 years.

They alleged that members of the Karakhela tribe had been laying claim to their lands since 1958. According to the Bangash elders, more than 10 decisions had been issued in connection with the longstanding land dispute, all of which were in favour of the Bangash tribe.

The tribal leaders alleged that despite repeatedly losing cases and decisions, certain members of the Karakhela tribe continued to raise objections and create disputes over the land.

They said the situation had created persistent difficulties for the Bangash community and called on the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to resolve the matter.

The Shalozan Bangash elders urged the authorities to implement the decisions already taken by the relevant forums and ensure the protection of what they described as the tribe’s lawful rights over its land.

They also called for effective measures to prevent further disputes and ensure a peaceful and lasting resolution of the longstanding land issue in the area.