Fakir Saidullah, a revered Pashtun fakir (spiritual leader) and military commander, led an army consisting of more than 10,000 followers to besiege the British garrison in the Malakand Agency of the North West Frontier Province. This incident occurred during a period of increased unrest and resistance against British colonial dominance in India, particularly in the Frontier regions where local tribal leaders opposed foreign rule. Saidullah's movement reflected growing discontent with British policies and intrusions into Pashtun territories. The Malakand Garrison was strategically important for the British as it served as a crucial military post enforcing control over the tribal areas and connecting British India with Afghanistan.

The siege highlighted the formidable challenge posed by local heroes like Saidullah, who rallied the Pashtun tribes against an entrenched colonial power. The discussions leading up to the siege were marked by both political and military maneuvering, as British officials sought to navigate the complicated tribal dynamics. As the siege unfolded, British forces faced difficulties not only from the daunting numbers of the besieging army but also due to the rugged terrain and the fierce resolve of the local commanders.

Despite the initial successes of Saidullah's forces, the British responded with reinforcements and strategic counterattacks. The siege lasted for several weeks and was characterized by a brutal contest where both sides suffered considerable losses. Ultimately, this conflict marked a significant chapter in the ongoing struggles between British imperial interests and local resistance movements, underscoring the complexities of colonial governance in frontier regions.