Deputy Emir of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Movement of the Pakistani Taliban) in the federally-administered tribal district of Mohmand Agency Qari Shakeel Khan has said that about 25,000 fighters work for him.

The Urdu-language newspaper Roznama Mashriq quoted Qari Shakeel Khan as saying that he has set up ‘‘reform committees’’ and ‘‘complaints cells’’ where a Qazi (judge) and his advisors resolve people’s disputes in accordance with shari’a.

According to the report, Qari Shakeel Khan said that jails have also been established where criminals are given Islamic punishments such as lashing with a whip.

Source: Roznama Mashriq, Pakistan, June 4, 2008