Pakistani Tribal Chief, Relatives Killed In Blast

BANNU, Pakistan -- A local tribal chief and two of his relatives have been killed by a roadside explosive in northwestern Pakistan.

Police and local residents told RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal that Malik Hashim Khan was traveling in the city of Bannu on June 26 when his vehicle was hit by the remotely controlled roadside bomb.

Khan's son and nephew also died in the blast.

Bannu is located in the restive province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Khan was the head of a former local peace committee that was disbanded because of Taliban threats.

The chieftain continued to play an active role in local councils to settle disputes.

On June 25, another local chieftain, Malik Hadi Khan Orakzai, was gunned down in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attacks.