Khalid Khan
In 2024, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed the tragic loss of 3,575 lives to murder, with Peshawar recording the highest number of killings at 563. Bannu saw 266 murders, Mardan 232, Swabi 230, Charsadda 209, Lakki Marwat 195, and Nowshera 191.
Hundreds of others across various districts also fell victim to disputes, personal vendettas, and minor conflicts. These figures do not emerge from a battlefield, nor are they the result of terrorist attacks.
This bloodshed was inflicted by the very people of this land—once known for their hospitality, honor, and bravery. The pressing question now is: why has this land become so ruthless? Have we mistaken stubbornness for honor, rage for courage, and vengeance for bravery?
These killings are not mere outbursts of anger but a symptom of deep societal decay. Property disputes, land conflicts, petty arguments, personal enmities, and vengeful emotions turn countless homes into mourning grounds daily. Here, one’s ego often outweighs the value of life, and taking a life is sometimes seen as an act of pride. But is all of this just coincidental? No. There is an entire system behind it—one rooted in corruption, incompetence, and injustice.
The judicial system moves at a sluggish pace, and verdicts often lack fairness. Cases drag on for years, evidence disappears, witnesses are either bribed or intimidated, and when a ruling finally arrives, it often favors the more powerful party. For lawyers, cases are mere financial opportunities, and for the common man, the doors of justice remain closed. When victims lose faith in the system, they resort to personal revenge, triggering an endless cycle of violence. Once, the tribal jirga system was a hallmark of Pashtun traditions, ensuring justice through wise elders. Today, it has become a tool in the hands of the powerful, where verdicts are often dictated by wealth and influence rather than principles. The weak are often denied justice, fueling a culture of self-administered retribution and escalating bloodshed.
“Greed has overtaken relationships—brothers turn against each other over property, and people kill their kin over trivial land disputes”
Many of these murders stem from property disputes. Shockingly, many of these conflicts arise due to ambiguities in official land ownership records. Corruption runs rampant in revenue offices, where nothing gets documented correctly without a bribe. As a result, multiple people lay claim to the same land, igniting disputes that last for generations.
The police force, originally established to protect the public, has itself become part of the problem. In most cases, law enforcement takes sides—decisions influenced by money or political connections. If an ordinary citizen seeks justice, they must either bribe officials or bow before influential figures. When those tasked with upholding the law begin selling justice, crime flourishes instead of diminishing.
Another major factor behind these killings is poverty and unemployment. When people struggle to afford basic necessities, when their future appears bleak, and when their children face a world without opportunities, frustration and aggression take hold. Such individuals are quick to anger and see violence as an acceptable response. Greed has overtaken relationships—brothers turn against each other over property, and people kill their kin over trivial land disputes. Old enmities are passed down through generations, keeping the cycle of revenge alive.
The widespread availability of illegal firearms exacerbates the problem. Guns are easily accessible, and even minor disagreements escalate into deadly confrontations. When weapons are readily available, crime becomes easier. A lack of education further fuels this crisis. Instead of resolving conflicts through dialogue, people resort to violence as rational discussion has been replaced by bullets. Without awareness and reasoning, individuals attempt to settle every dispute through force, worsening the trend of bloodshed.
Above all, a lack of accountability has emboldened criminals. People know that even if they commit murder, they can evade punishment through bribes or the influence of powerful jirgas. When perpetrators face no real consequences, crime inevitably rises—this is precisely what is happening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This crisis cannot be resolved through emotional speeches or temporary measures. A well-structured strategy is needed—one that ensures swift and fair judicial proceedings, transparency in jirga decisions, accurate land records, corruption-free policing, and widespread education. Most importantly, society itself must change its mindset. We must let go of our egos, stubbornness, greed, and thirst for vengeance. If we fail to do so, this once-proud land—renowned for its bravery and hospitality—will remain stained with blood forever.
