Achekzai tribal militia (Afghanistan)

Country: Afghanistan
Details of Formation: The group’s leader Esmat Muslim allied with the government after Pakistan cut supplies for his guerilla activities in 1982.
Details of Termination: There is no clear termination date but the group’s leader Esmat Muslim died in a Soviet hospital in 1991. This is used as the end date, as there is no more evidence for this group after that date.
Purpose: The group was formed to protect Achekzai settlements and parts of Afghanistan’s border to Pakistan.
Organisation: The group was commanded by Esmat Muslim and one source reports that he operated relatively independently from governmental control.
Weapons and Training: According to the New York Times, the group was in possession of tanks and artillery.
Size: --
Reason for Membership: Loyalty to the ethnic group of the Achekzai tribe (and its chief Esmat Muslim) is reported as an influence on supporting and joining the PGM.
Treatment of Civilians: The group was established to protect the population along the Pakistani border, focusing on Achekzai people in particular. According to a statement, the PGM killed counter-revolutionaries and arrested members of armed bands.
Other Information: Ethnic Membership is inferred as the Achekzai (or Achakzai) tribe is a subgroup of Pashtuns (Afghanistan).
References: Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD.