Tribal Council Torches Four Houses In Tirah Over 'Immorality' Allegations

A tribal council in the Tirah Valley of Khyber district has burned down four houses in connection with alleged acts of“immorality” and“obscenity,” in what it says was an effort to uphold tribal honor and curb the spread of vulgarity in the region.

According to sources, the action was taken by the Shura of the Bar Qamberkhel tribe in the Kariga village of Haider Kundao۔ The tribal elders accused two young men and two young women of bringing dishonor to the area by allegedly being involved in the circulation of indecent videos and audio recordings that surfaced on social media around two months ago.

Haji Zahir and Kamaluddin, both tribal elders and members of the Shura, told reporters that the jirga had declared the content a serious violation of tribal values and traditions. The decision to torch the homes was reached unanimously, according to the elders, after what they described as“extensive deliberation.”

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The Shura clarified that the move was not based on any formal legal or religious framework, but rather on centuries-old tribal customs followed by the Afridi tribes in such matters. The punishment, they said, was aimed at deterring similar acts and preserving the cultural and moral fabric of the community.

In addition to the burnings, the Shura also issued stern warnings against drug dealers, particularly those involved in the sale of crystal meth (commonly referred to as "ice"), stating that such individuals would be expelled from the region.

The elders further announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual crimes against minors and other forms of abuse, including londa bazi (a term for pederasty or exploitative same-sex acts involving boys), stating that perpetrators would face strict tribal action.

Following the leak of the explicit content, both of the accused young men reportedly fled the area and have remained missing since.

Meanwhile, several local political, tribal, and social circles have voiced support for the Shura's decision, claiming that tribal codes of conduct are essential for maintaining order and preventing the spread of obscenity in conservative tribal regions.

They argued that in the absence of formal state enforcement mechanisms, such community-led actions are necessary for the protection of local values.

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