In a fix: Kidnapped tribal elder freed on condition of exile

Malik Nawaz was taken captive by militants for allegedly spying for the army.

PESHAWAR: A local malik was kidnapped by militants from Bazargai area of Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar a few days ago and later released with instructions to leave the area within the week.

Residents told The Express Tribune that local elder Malik Nawaz was taken away by militants from his residence in Bazargai but villagers were able to secure his release 24 hours later after hectic negotiations. “He was beaten and tortured for allegedly spying on the militants and providing intelligence to the army,” said one elder.

“Locals were told he would be killed on charges of spying on the militants but was later released,” he added, saying the man was released on the condition of permanently leaving the area along with every member of his family within a few days.

“He (Nawaz) is being blamed for providing information about the presence of militants in Bazargai, which led to an army raid that resulted in the killing of three militants and an army major a month ago,” said another elder.

He said 46-year-old Nawaz had been a malik, or a tribal elder, for at least 12 years and was known for his role as a social worker.

“He has a workable relationship with every political agent and used his influence for the construction of several roads as well as tube wells in the area,” said the elder, adding that Nawaz’s rapport with the locals as well as senior officials led to the success of relentless efforts to secure his release from the militants.

Nawaz belongs to the Mayam Khel tribe, a sub-clan of the Hassan Khel tribe which resides in Bazargai, explained the elder.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2014.