Elders of the Isa-Khel Shandara Pandokhel tribe have called for a transparent and independent investigation into what they describe as attempts by certain individuals to falsely claim affiliation with the Pandokhel tribe and obtain official identity documents using incorrect information.
Press Conference Highlights Concerns
Addressing a news conference at the local press club, elders including Haji Anwar Khan, Mukammal Shah, Iqbal Shah, Waqas Ahmad, Syed Ahmad Shah, Zaheer Waliullah, Nadir Khan, Rahmatullah and Haji Khan Zaman expressed serious concern over the dispute. They urged the district administration and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter on merit.
The elders stated that the Pandokhel tribe historically comprises only three sub-clans—Yaqoot Shah, Akbar Shah and Azam Baba—and asserted that no other lineage has ancestral or tribal affiliation with the community.
Allegations Against Administration Clerk
The elders alleged that a clerk serving in the district administration, Noor Mohammad, son of Hussain Khan, along with Abdul Ghani, son of Hussain Khan, Abdul Hayb, son of Abdul Wahid, and some of their family members, had been attempting to establish themselves as members of the Pandokhel tribe by allegedly using official influence.
According to the elders, the individuals concerned have no ancestral, familial or marital ties with the tribe. They further claimed that in 2024 they had submitted a written application on stamp paper to the Assistant Commissioner, Baizai, requesting an inquiry into the matter.
Background of the Dispute
The elders maintained that Noor Mohammad and the others had no tribal connection with the Pandokhel tribe. They alleged that the family originally belonged to Karonda Khogakhel and frequently resided in or travelled through the Torkham area. According to the elders, the individuals allegedly obtained Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) in 2022 and 2023 by providing incorrect information and using addresses in Shandara.
They said the dispute was not primarily related to land ownership but to tribal identity and lineage. They maintained that the individuals concerned neither owned ancestral property in Pandokhel nor had any recognised family relationship with the tribe.
Demand for Impartial Inquiry
The elders urged the Deputy Commissioner, the district administration and other relevant institutions to conduct a transparent, impartial and merit-based inquiry, examine all official records and ensure justice in accordance with the law.
