Taliban militants in northwest Pakistan frequently flog, execute or otherwise punish alleged criminals in a bid to gain public sympathy by imposing order in a largely lawless area. — Photo by AFP

PARACHINAR: Taliban fighters shot dead four suspected robbers that authorities were also chasing in northwest Pakistan, police said.

Police official Islamuddin said the four bodies were found Tuesday along a road in Hangu district.

A note identified the men and said they had confessed to their crime.

Islamuddin said police had confirmed that the four were suspected robbers that their officers had been seeking.

Taliban militants in northwest Pakistan frequently flog, execute or otherwise punish alleged criminals in a bid to gain public sympathy by imposing order in a largely lawless area.

Hangu is located near the Orakzai tribal region, where Pakistan's army is waging an offensive against militants.

Opinion

Four hundred seats?

Four hundred seats?

The mix of divisive cultural politics and grow­th-oriented economics that feeds Hindu middle-class ambition and provides targeted welfare are key ingredients in the BJP’s political trajectory.

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.