BANNU: A recent investigation has raised serious allegations against members of a local peace committee in Bannu, including claims of abductions, torture, raids on citizens’ homes, seizure of property and extortion.
According to sources and findings attributed to the Pashtun Investigation Team, several incidents involving members of the committee have been reported, including cases allegedly involving Molvi Qudratullah, Qari Rashid, Waqas and Kashif Sorani.
The investigation claims that Molvi Qudratullah, described as a teacher of Peace Committee chief Hazratullah, criticised some of the committee’s activities during a Friday sermon and urged members to avoid unlawful practices and taking the law into their own hands.
Following the criticism, committee members allegedly abducted Molvi Qudratullah and subjected him to severe torture. Images purportedly related to the incident have also surfaced on social media, according to the report.
The investigation further alleges that Qari Rashid, who was reportedly associated with a surrendered former commander named Ishaq, was also taken into custody by committee members. Sources claimed that Rs9 million was allegedly received from an opposing party in exchange for his release.
The report also alleges that committee members carried out raids and searches at the homes of several citizens and took away valuables. According to sources, some items, including mobile phones and motorcycles, allegedly remain in the committee’s possession and have not been returned to their owners.
In another alleged incident, a man identified as Waqas was reportedly detained over a financial dispute involving his brother, who lives abroad. Sources claimed that the committee shut down his business and subsequently collected money from him.
Kashif Sarani, who had returned from the United Arab Emirates for his wedding, was also allegedly subjected to violence by committee members. Sources claimed that money was taken from his pocket during the incident. The committee chief later reportedly contacted elders of the Sorani tribe and apologised for the treatment of Kashif Sorani.
The investigation has also levelled allegations against a committee leader identified in the report as Hazrat Umar, claiming his involvement in alleged theft of government weapons and extortion.
According to sources, Hazrat Umar allegedly stole government weapons and subsequently accused the Bannu District Police Officer of responsibility. The sources claimed that he had failed to provide evidence supporting the allegation.
The report further alleges that Hazrat Umar holds other committee members accountable but does not consider himself answerable to anyone or willing to undergo accountability. It also claims that he has allegedly been involved in attempts to undermine colleagues who disagree with him.
The allegations contained in the investigation are serious. However, the claims attributed to unnamed sources and the investigation could not be independently verified from the information provided. No official response from the accused individuals or relevant authorities was included in the report.
