SWAT: Two people were killed and three injured in an armed clash between two groups in the Shangardar area here.

The Ghaligey police said the clash began after Bilal, his father, Sher Mohammad, and another person, Sher Alam, opened fire at two brothers, Maaz and Amar Khan, their father, Pir Mohammad Khan, as well as Hashim and Hamad.

They added that the firing immediately killed the two brothers and injured Pir Mohammad, Hashim and Hamad, who were hospitalised.

The police said they had begun an investigation after booking gunmen.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and chairman of the PTI-Parliamentarians Mahmood Khan said on Thursday that national development was unattainable until a usury-based banking system was there.

He was addressing the oath-taking ceremony for the newly-elected cabinet of the Swat Bar Association.

Mr Mahmood told the local MPAs, including ministers, that they should fulfil their responsibilities, especially regarding the pending development projects initiated by his government.

He resented the cancellation of tenders for Rs5 billion development schemes approved during his tenure as the CM and urged lawmakers to resist such moves.

The former CM alleged manipulation of the results of Feb 8 polls and said such practices led the country to instability. He said PTI founder Imran Khan was his leader and would remain so in the future as well.

Mr Mahmood advocated constructive criticism in politics and called for the release of Mr Imran. He announced Rs1.5 grant for lawyers.

The former CM congratulated the newly-elected bar cabinet members, especially president Faheem Naeem, vice president Mohammad Ashraf, and general secretary Obaidullah, and said he hoped they would all work for the rule of the Constitution and the law in the country.

He said lawyers had a key role in the dispensation of justice to people.