Timergara (By Rahmat Ullah Swati): A land dispute over the Peto Jame Mosque has intensified in Lower Dir. Moreover, villagers of Peto Dara warned Land Settlement officials not to register the mosque’s Serai (Mangai) land in any individual’s name. This land dispute pits the community against the Land Settlement Department.
The villagers say the property belongs to the Imamat (religious leadership) of Peto Jame Mosque. They explained that roughly fifty years ago, the mosque’s imam died, and no family member qualified to lead prayers. Consequently, the community began paying a monthly salary to an appointed imam. Therefore, elders insist the land remain under mosque ownership until parties reach a settlement.
Furthermore, elders urged authorities to resolve the matter through local customs and jirga traditions. They stressed that the Tehsildar, the land record officer, and the Girdawar must follow those customs. Otherwise, they warned, officials would bear responsibility for any unrest.
At a grand jirga, village elders addressed the media. Present were Haji Mian Adam Khan, Haji Momin Khan, Haji Sawahid Khan, Haji Hayat Khan, and Haji Raza Khan. Also attending were Altaf Hussain, Jamshed Khan, Nadir Khan, Wazir Zada, Nawaz Khan, Muhammad Umar, and Waris Khan. They urged fair action and local consultation.
The elders said their forefathers bought the land in 1968. They bought it from Anwar Sultan Begum, daughter of the Nawab of Dir and mother of Nawabzada Khwaja Hoti of Mardan, for Rs. 50,000. Additionally, they paid a Rs. 1,000 longi fee to the government at that time.
Boundaries of the disputed land are:
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West: Road from Khona Kando to Pani Daal, Talash
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East: Khwar Tur Tam, Braid Hassan Khel
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South: Pani Daal, boundary of Dherai Ahmad Guli
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North: Public road from Khona Kando to Afzal Khan’s house; Khudai Khwar to Turtam Nala
They also claim a one-fourth share in Markhano, Karzena, and Ambarzay. Moreover, they said documents support their claim. They challenged the opposing party to present any contrary evidence.
Finally, the elders vowed to resist any illegal registration. They warned that if officials proceeded, villagers would act to protect the mosque’s property. Consequently, they held the Land Settlement Department accountable for any resulting tensions.
