DERA GHAZI KHAN: A long-standing dispute over 130 acres of land in Punjab’s Dera Ghazi Khan district turned deadly this week when armed clashes broke out between the Solangi and Bugti/Bagti tribes, leaving 15 people dead.
According to multiple reports circulating since April 26, eight members of the Bugti/Bagti community and seven from the Solangi community were killed in the exchange of fire. Local posts identified Abdullah Solangi, a Solangi tribal leader, among those killed, with retaliatory violence reportedly claiming Hali Khan Bagti, a Bagti leader.
The dispute, which had simmered for years over the 130-acre tract, “suddenly turned into an armed war,” spreading fear and panic across the area. Residents reported intense firing and large fires in the vicinity during the night of the clash.
In response to the “extremely tense situation and the threat of further bloodshed,” the Pakistan Army has taken control of the area. A heavy contingent of troops has been deployed to maintain law and order, with tight security measures in place to prevent further clashes between the two tribes.
Visuals shared by regional outlet K News showed Pakistani soldiers in desert camouflage near military transport trucks, paired with images of mourners around shrouded bodies.
The incident drew widespread attention on social media between April 26–30, with several Sindhi and Urdu-language posts documenting casualties and calling for calm. Public reaction has been divided — some condemned tribal violence and demanded stronger rule of law, while others made pointed remarks about the army’s control of the disputed land. A few users also disputed the reports, claiming the news was false.
Background
Dera Ghazi Khan has seen recurring tribal clashes in recent years over land, water, and honor disputes. Previous incidents include a 2025 clash between Birmani and Jogiani clans of the Leghari tribe that left two dead, and a February 2025 Jandani-Aaliani tribal fight that killed five.
As of now, no official statement from Punjab Police or ISPR has been cited in major national newspapers regarding the April 2026 Solangi-Bugti clash. The situation in the area remains tense but under military control.
