By Fazal Amin Shinwari
LANDI KOTAL: A bitter standoff between the Khyber Police and the District Press Club Khyber has been amicably resolved through a traditional tribal jirga. Police officials formally apologized for last week’s contentious incident, paving the way for local journalists to call off their ongoing boycott.
A high-ranking police delegation visited the press club premises, where they invoked the Pashtun custom of Nanawati—seeking formal forgiveness and acknowledging ownership of the mistake. Officials assured the media fraternity that security personnel would exercise restraint and ensure such an incident is never repeated.
District Press Club Khyber President Aman Ali Shinwari, alongside fellow journalists, formally accepted the apology, signalling the immediate restoration of working relations between the local force and the press.
Addressing the grand jirga, a panel of tribal elders, prominent journalists, and political representatives emphasized that press clubs remain vital, independent institutions whose sanctity and dignity must be zealously protected. Speakers underscored that constructive cooperation between law enforcement and media practitioners is indispensable for maintaining public order, delivering justice, and fostering civic awareness in the region.
Shinwari extended his gratitude to the Jamrud and Bara press clubs, broader journalist organizations, and Mahmood Jan Babar, Adviser on Information for the Merged Districts, for their unwavering solidarity during the dispute.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the regional press, Shinwari noted that tribal journalists have continued to fulfill their professional obligations under exceptionally harsh circumstances, with 22 reporters having laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The gathering concluded with participants welcoming the reconciliation, expressing optimism that the resolution will strengthen mutual institutional trust and reinforce a collaborative framework for peace and accountability.
Prominent figures attended the jirga, including Circle DSP Qazi Lal Jan, Landi Kotal SHO Fazal Rehman Afridi, and other senior police officials, along with leading journalists, tribal elders, and social and political stakeholders.
On October 25, 2026, police raided the Landi Kotal Press Club late at night without a warrant or stated reason, searched the premises, and caused damage. The action drew widespread protest and condemnation from journalists’ unions, civil society, and political parties, leading journalists’ organizations to announce a complete boycott of police media coverage.
