SWAT: A jirga of Akhundkhel tribe, representing the Islampur and Spal Bandi areas of Swat, on Sunday decided to ban individuals’ entry to Islampur if they refuse to acknowledge the tribe’s ownership over land in Sher Atraf village, as a court has ruled in its favour.

The jirga, held at a mosque in Spal Bandi area, was attended by notable figures, including former nazim of Islampur Shah Wali Khan, Prof Fazal Mabood, former nazim of Spal Bandi Amjad Ali, Mian Syed Akbar Jan, Mian Munir, Jehan Parvaiz, Abdul Kabir, Sardar Alam, Mian Reham Dil, Mohammad Luqman, Mohammad Alam Khan, Ubaid Khan, Badshah Mian, Ameen Khan, and former tehsil nazim Ikram Khan and others.

The forum ruled that those who disregarded the law and traditions by continuing to dispute the Akhundkhel tribe’s ownership of Sher Atraf land would also be denied access to Islampur village.

A deadline of March 12 was set for the residents of Sher Atraf and neighbouring villages to comply with the court decision. After this date, only those who recognise the Akhundkhel tribe’s legal ownership and abide by the court rulings will be permitted to travel through the area.

Furthermore, the jirga stipulated that individuals accepting the court’s verdict must submit a written guarantee to avoid restrictions.

The jirga issued a warning that any individuals persisting in their refusal to acknowledge the ownership rights would bear full responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

The dispute over Sher Atraf land ownership has long been a source of contention between the Akhundkhel tribe in Islampur and Spal Bandi village, and a rival group residing in Sher Atraf area. While the court has ruled in favour of the Akhundkhel tribe, the opposing group has continued to resist transferring ownership, escalating tensions between the two parties.

The jirga’s decision aims to enforce the legal rulings and maintain order in the region.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025