Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Mufti Shakir, the founding leader of Lashkar-i-Islam, killed in an IED blast, marked the end of a militant era in Khyber on Saturday.
Mufti Munir Shakir’s radical ideology and violent confrontations shaped the region’s militancy before his expulsion and the group’s eventual downfall.
Mufti Shakir emerged as a key militant figure in December 2004 when he established Lashkar-i-Islam(LI) in the Bara region of the Khyber tribal district. With the backing of Sipah and Malikdinkhel tribesmen, he sought to enforce his strict interpretation of Islamic law. However, his extreme views and disputes with Haji Namdar, another militant leader, led to his expulsion from Bara within six months.
In early 2005, tensions escalated when Shakir’s supporters clashed with those of Pir Saifur Rehman, another influential cleric. The fighting prompted a jirga of tribal elders to intervene, and after intense deliberations, both leaders were ordered to leave the area to restore peace.
Following Shakir’s departure, Mangal Bagh, a former bus driver with growing militant connections, took over Lashkar-i-Islam’s leadership in May 2005. Under his command, the group expanded its influence, imposing strict social codes, collecting illegal taxes and engaging in armed confrontations with rival factions and security forces.
A key tool in Lashkar-i-Islam’s strategy was an illegal FM radio station, which it used to spread propaganda, issue threats and justify its actions. The broadcasts played a significant role in recruitment and maintaining control over the local population.
Concerned by the group’s growing influence, Pakistani security forces launched their first major military operation against Lashkar-i-Islam in mid-2005. The offensive targeted key strongholds, including the house of Haji Rabat, one of the group’s operatives, which was demolished during the operation. The illegal FM radio station, set up in a mosque, was also destroyed.
Despite the military action, Lashkar-i-Islam continued its activities, launching attacks on rival groups and security personnel. The group’s defiance led to further instability in Khyber, with residents caught between the militants and state forces.
In 2008, the Pakistani government officially declared Lashkar-i-Islam a banned organization. However, the ban did little to curb its influence, as the group retreated into the mountainous terrain and continued sporadic attacks.
Mangal Bagh remained at the helm of Lashkar-i-Islam for years, despite security forces relentlessly pursuing him. Under his leadership, the group maintained relevance, but internal divisions and sustained military operations gradually weakened it.
Mufti Shakir’s death brings closure to a chapter of militancy that shaped Khyber’s recent history. Though he lost control of Lashkar-i-Islam early on, his extremist ideology laid the foundation for a group that operated for over a decade, spreading violence and unrest in the tribal belt.
With both Shakir and Mangal Bagh gone, Lashkar-i-Islam’s influence has significantly diminished. However, the scars left by its brutal rule remain, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by communities in conflict-ridden areas. Security forces continue to monitor the region, ensuring that no new militant faction fills the void left by the group’s collapse.
