Mehsud jirga decides to ostracize criminals in their midst

Says no legal, moral help for robbery, street crime culprits

KARACHI:

A jirga of the Mehsud tribe has agreed on decisive measures to address the rising incidents of robberies and drug trafficking in the Sultanabad area of Manghopir.

The jirga proceedings, captured in both photographs and a video statement by spokesperson Mufti Khalid, have gone viral on social media.

The jirga agreed to collectively condemn any Mehsud tribe member found involved in criminal activity. It was recommended that if a Mehsud tribesman is found guilty of robbery, measures such as boycotting their funeral and denying burial in community graveyards should be implemented.

The tribal assembly proposed social ostracisation of the families associated with a community member engaged in criminal activities, underscoring the tribe's commitment to fostering a safe and law-abiding environment.

These recommendations will be reviewed by a 12-member committee representing various sub-clans of the Mehsud tribes. Subsequently, they will be documented and disseminated among the Mehsud tribesmen in Manghopir.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2024.