Land Dispute Turns Deadly on Warsak Road, Peshawar: Blood Spilled as Police Remain Spectators
By: Muhammad Zeb
A land dispute in the suburban area of Warsak Road, Mula Garhi, Sarasang in Peshawar has taken a dangerous turn as tensions between Ahmad Mujtaba, alias Wawa Khan, and the Isa Khel tribe escalated into a violent clash.
According to sources, Ahmad Mujtaba, also known as Wawa Khan, purchased 250 kanals of land for the development of a housing society. This land was adjacent to property belonging to the Isa Khel tribe. Citing proximity to DHA Peshawar, the elders of Isa Khel tribe demanded Rs. 2.5 million per kanal as compensation.
Just days before Eid, members of the Isa Khel tribe reportedly launched a broad daylight assault on Wawa Khan’s market, attempting to forcibly shut down shops — despite the market being located directly in front of the local police station. The police’s alleged inaction shocked local residents: there was no resistance, no intervention — as if law enforcement had turned a blind eye to the unfolding violence.
To defuse the situation, Wawa Khan’s cousin Aziz Ghafar — a former ANP candidate — and Karamatullah Khan Choghar Matti organized a jirga between both parties. However, the Isa Khel tribe remained adamant on their demand of Rs. 60 million and refused any reconciliation without payment.
Matters worsened on July 1, when another alleged attempt was made to seize Wawa Khan’s market. During the resistance, Wawa Khan’s brother Saddam was critically injured, and their uncle, Roedad, was killed on the spot. Saddam remains in the ICU, fighting for his life.
What is most alarming is that this entire incident took place right in front of the police station — yet officers allegedly locked themselves inside and did nothing, acting as silent spectators.
Tragedy deepened when Saddam was being rushed to the hospital: his vehicle came under gunfire en route, resulting in the death of a passing driver — an innocent bystander unaware that he was taking his final journey.
On the other side, three members of the Isa Khel tribe were reportedly injured and one was killed. However, credible sources claim the Isa Khel tribe initiated the attack and unleashed heavy firepower — far beyond the means of ordinary civilians. There is strong suspicion that a powerful figure or group is backing them, given the kind of weaponry used.
CCTV footage has captured the entire incident, yet police and higher authorities remain silent — the biggest obstacle to justice.
The key questions are:
Has the rule of law in a city like Peshawar become nothing more than words in a book?
Can a few influential individuals hold an entire city’s peace hostage?
Why is the police silent?
This incident is not only a glaring example of law enforcement failure but also a wake-up call for the government
