The Karkhano market borders the tribal district of Khyber, where fighting has recently intensified in a long-running military operation against the Taliban and other militias on the Afghan border. — Reuters/File Photo

PESHAWAR: Taliban from the Khyber tribal region have warned shopkeepers in a popular market on the edge of Peshawar to stop selling “obscene films” and Viagra-style male potency pills.

Shopkeepers told AFP on Monday that they found handwritten pamphlets containing the warnings after opening Saturday in Karkhano market.

“Selling sex drugs, vulgar films and obscene movies are against Sharia,” said copies of the pamphlet distributed in the name of Tehrik-i-Taliban Khyber.

“All those involved in this business are warned to quit this occupation and start a lawful business or face the consequences,” it said.

Those who received the threatening letter spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals.

The Karkhano market borders the tribal district of Khyber, where fighting has recently intensified in a long-running military operation against the Taliban and other militias on the Afghan border.

Shopkeepers selling music and films are routinely threatened across the northwest, where hundreds of DVD and CD shops have been bombed in the past by militants who deem their business un-Islamic.

At least 10 people were killed and 26 wounded Friday when a bomb exploded near a DVD shop in Kalaya, the main town in the Orakzai tribal district.

Opinion

Editorial

Barren reforms
17 Jul, 2026

Barren reforms

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertion that agriculture and livestock hold the key to Pakistan’s quick...
Dumbing down?
17 Jul, 2026

Dumbing down?

THE awesome power of generative AI has raised concerns in academic and scientific circles about the impact the...
Eyeing the Margallas
17 Jul, 2026

Eyeing the Margallas

AS Pakistan battles a variety of climate crises, state institutions must do all possible to defend critical...
AJK violence
Updated 16 Jul, 2026

AJK violence

Violent confrontations have claimed some 30 lives of both security personnel and protesters since last month.
Deadly lapses
16 Jul, 2026

Deadly lapses

PAKISTAN has investigated too many HIV outbreaks over the past decade to still be surprised by the causes. The ...
Doomed tax initiative
16 Jul, 2026

Doomed tax initiative

THE FBR’s draft simplified tax regime for small shopkeepers is the latest in a long line of attempts to persuade...