The fire-walking ritual in Balochistan once again made headlines after eight men were forced to walk over burning embers in Musakhel district. The incident took place in the remote area of Kot Khan Muhammad, where a theft had been reported at a small shop. A local jirga ordered the suspects to walk across hot coals to prove their innocence.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has taken notice of a shocking incident in Musakhel district, where eight men suspected of theft were forced to walk on burning embers to prove their innocence. The centuries-old ritual, known locally as “Aas Aaf” in Balochi and “Chur” in Pashto, remains common in eastern and northeastern Balochistan despite being illegal.
According to officials, the incident occurred in the remote area of Kot Khan Muhammad after a shop belonging to Gulla Khan was robbed. A local jirga allegedly ordered the eight suspects to undergo the fire-walking trial. Four suspects—including a shopkeeper and individuals who prepared the embers—have been arrested, while efforts to detain others are underway.
Viral videos from the scene show the accused standing at the edge of a pit filled with hot embers, declaring, “If I have stolen from Gulla Khan’s shop or have any knowledge of it, may God burn me in this fire.” One by one, they walk across the glowing coals before being lifted by attendants who place their feet on freshly slaughtered goat’s blood—a part of the ritual used to determine guilt. If blisters appear, the person is deemed guilty; if not, they are declared innocent.
Officials say the pit used for the ritual is typically six steps long and two feet deep, containing a foot of burning embers. Similar practices are also reported in parts of Sindh bordering Balochistan, where the ritual is known as “Charbeel” or “Charbeeli.”
Authorities have launched legal action against those involved in organizing and enforcing the fire-walking practice, which continues to endanger lives under the guise of tradition.
