TTP Agrees to Bar Forced Collection of Usher and Donations in Tirah Talks

In a significant development, the second round of talks between the Bar Qambarkhel tribe and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) concluded successfully in the Tirah Valley. The outlawed group accepted all five demands presented by the tribe, raising new hopes for sustainable peace in the region.

The negotiations took place in the Barbagh area of Tirah under the leadership of tribal elder Haji Zahir Shah Afridi. The jirga saw massive participation from tribal elders, religious scholars, students, and locals.

The tribe’s foremost demand was a strict ban on forced collection of usher, zakat, or donations. According to the agreement, no TTP member will forcefully collect funds, and any violation will result in serious consequences.

Other conditions included a ceasefire in public places and homes, no interference in personal or public disputes, joint action against miscreants, and investigation of past killings and kidnappings. The Bar Qambarkhel Shura will provide a list of victims, and TTP agreed that if victims are found innocent, action will be taken under Shariah law.

Haji Zahir Shah termed this a major victory for tribal unity and credited collective efforts of the community.