MIRAMSHAH, Aug 7: Pro-Taliban militants on Monday beheaded a pro-government tribal elder in the restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan, officials said. The body of Loi Khan was found dumped on a road in Garhiyoum, some 40 kilometres south of Miramshah, North Waziristan, a local official said.

The man had been abducted last week from adjoining South Waziristan, the official said. A note found on the body said the man had been killed as punishment for working as an “informer.”

“Anyone found indulging in espionage will meet the same fate,” the note said.

Several tribal elders have been shot dead or beheaded this year for allegedly spying for US forces across the border in Afghanistan or supporting Pakistan’s campaign against al Qaeda and other militants in the rugged area.

The latest beheading comes despite a ceasefire announced by pro-Taliban militants last month as part of the government’s peace efforts in the region.—AFP