The Pakistani Taliban has warned tribesmen in the past not to return to areas where they are fighting the army. – File Photo

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Police say suspected Taliban fighters have shot and killed a pro-government tribal elder who was trying lure back tribesmen who had fled northwest Pakistan because of fighting between militants and the army.

Police officer Sana Ullah says gunmen on a motorcycle shot Malik Arsala Khan on Sunday in the main bazaar in Tank district.

The Pakistani Taliban has warned tribesmen in the past not to return to areas where they are fighting the army. But the government has urged them to go, partly in an attempt to signal that the military operations have been successful at taming the militants.