In a worrying escalation of militant extortion tactics, a Rescue 1122 building under construction in Bannu was destroyed in a bombing allegedly carried out by the banned terrorist group TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. The attack came after the group reportedly demanded a percentage cut from the contractor—who refused to comply.
The contractor, identified as Tariq, received a written threat on the Fitna al-Khawarij’s letterhead, signed by a man identifying himself as Muhammad Yasir, who claimed to be the “Chief of Finance for Bannu”. The letter stated that all contractors working on government-funded projects are required to pay the group a 5% share of the total budget. It explicitly ordered the contractor to halt work and contact the group within two days, or face consequences.
“You have started construction on the 1122 office without giving our due share. We take 5% of every government project,” the letter warned. “Until you coordinate with us and get permission, all work must stop. Any damage that occurs as a result of your noncompliance will be your responsibility.”
Two days later, on the night of May 30, khawarij carried out their threat and bombed the site, causing extensive damage to the government building.
This is not an isolated case. Similar letters demanding a “terror tax” have recently surfaced in other districts. In late May, a contractor named Malik Rehmatullah in Lower Dir received a letter demanding 5% of his mining revenue and PKR 5,000 per truckload of extracted minerals, again under threat of violence.
Likewise, in Tajori, Lakki Marwat, khawarij demanded extortion from OGDCL and SNGPL staff. The letter warned that refusal to pay would result in “loss of life and property” for which the staff would be held responsible.
These developments suggest a coordinated effort by khawarij factions to establish parallel financial control over development projects in KP’s tribal belt. By targeting public infrastructure and threatening contractors, khawarij aim to undermine state authority, stall progress, and fund their operations through coercion.
Security officials say investigations are ongoing and that intelligence efforts are being stepped up to identify and dismantle these extortion networks.
