Eight men were reportedly forced to walk barefoot over burning embers to prove their innocence after being accused of theft in Kot Khan Muhammad, Musa Khel district, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
The shocking act was allegedly ordered by a local jirga, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns over the persistence of extrajudicial punishments in parts of the country.
According to residents, the incident took place a day earlier following a reported theft at a shop. A jirga was convened, and under pressure from the shopkeeper, the jirga elders ordered the suspects to walk on blazing coals as a way of “proving innocence”, a centuries-old but unlawful ritual still practiced in some remote areas of the Indo-Pak region.
Although no major injuries were reported, the ritual has been condemned as cruel, inhumane, and deeply regressive.
Locals described the incident as a stark reflection of weakening legal norms and eroding social values. “This outdated ritual not only violates human rights but also distorts Pashtun traditions,” said one resident, calling for strict action against those involved.
Deputy Commissioner Musa Khel, Razzaq Khajjak, has taken notice of the incident and confirmed that an official inquiry is underway. “The administration has received reports of the event. Any action taken outside the law is unacceptable and will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Civil society groups and local residents have demanded immediate arrests of those responsible for enforcing the unlawful ritual, urging authorities to put an end to parallel justice systems operating in the area.
Reporter: Rahmat Ullah