Key points
- Naeem was killed alongside 10 others on March 13
- Denying funeral is considered an extreme step in Pashtun tradition
- I do not want his body, nor his remains: Slain terrorist’s father
ISLAMABAD: The family of a terrorist killed by security forces while repulsing an attack on the Jandola Fort in Pakistan’s north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has disowned him.
The development is being dubbed the first of its kind in the area where offering condolence and reciting prayers for the departed one hold a special place in local traditions.
Denying a funeral is considered the most extreme step which is almost unimaginable in the conservative society.
Naeem Khan was killed alongside 10 terrorists after security forces foiled an attack on Jandola Fort on March 13, 2025, in the North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan.
Tribal consultation
However, rather than mourning his death, his family and village elders completely disowned him.
A jirga (tribal council) held in the Kari Shamozai area of Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw the participation of over 20 elders, including Naeem’s father, Ahmed Khan.
The village elders openly declared their disassociation from the members of the terror network.
“Whoever stands against Pakistan and its army is an enemy of the state—even if he is my own son,” Ahmed Khan, Naeem’s father stated unequivocally.
Ahmed Khan revealed that over a year ago, he had tried to reason with his son but he had rejected it.
Whoever stands against Pakistan and its army is an enemy of the state—even if he is my own son.” – Slain terrorist’s father Ahmed Khan
“I do not want his body, nor his remains,” he declared.
“There is no honour, no funeral for such people. My son is nothing but fuel for hellfire,” he added.
For the first time in the region’s history, no funeral prayers were offered, nor was there any condolence gathering for the deceased.
The local elders and public issued a strong stance against militants, emphasising that those who take up arms against Pakistan and its armed forces will find no sympathy or leniency.
