An alleged audio leak has once again brought to light claims of links between Fitna al-Khawarij and the ruling political party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The leaked recording purportedly features conversations between “Khariji Badshah”, said to be in Afghanistan, and “Khariji Rocketi”, reportedly present in South Waziristan.
According to the audio, the militants allegedly stopped MPA Asif Mehsud but later refrained from abducting him or demanding extortion money after being informed of his affiliation with the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The recording allegedly captures Rocketi admitting that he searched the lawmaker and issued an extortion slip before receiving instructions not to harm or abduct him.
“Khariji Badshah” is purportedly heard directing that Asif Mehsud be allowed to leave and that an apology be offered for searching him.
The audio has claimed that orders were being carried out at the direction of Afghan-based Khawarij elements.
Political analysts said the leak appeared to reinforce allegations that militants regarded certain leaders of the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as sympathisers and exempted them from kidnapping and extortion.
They said the recording reflected what they described as the political and social space allegedly granted to the militants, enabling them to view members of the ruling party as their own associates.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, speaking to Samaa TV, said the audio leak was “nothing new” and claimed that several such recordings already existed.
He alleged that ties between the PTI and militants were not a recent development and claimed evidence was available with state institutions.
Kundi said previous provincial leadership had admitted to paying extortion money, while alleging that no meaningful action had been taken despite the existence of evidence.
He stressed that peace could not be restored without strict action and a policy of zero tolerance against militancy.
The KP governor also called for coordination between the federal and provincial governments in the fight against terrorism, urging the KP government to focus on peace, development and prosperity in the province.
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