[4] The Tarin clan, which had previously resisted Sikh rule, refused to accept the new British rulers and came into conflict with Major Abbott,[5] who deposed many of the tribe's chiefs and leaders and confiscated their lands and properties.
[7] The situation became very hazardous for Habib Khan when Major Abbott tightened control over the Gandhgarhi hills and environs, through the help of the Tahirkheli and Mishwani tribes, and he might have been taken prisoner at this time.
[9]: 74 On retirement, Habib Khan came back to Hazara area, and also entered into extensive litigation against the Punjab Government, to obtain restitution of a number of his properties, and in settling the affairs of his considerable estates.
[12] Between 1868 and 1880 he assisted senior officers in the management of Frontier affairs along the Hazara hills, receiving certificates of commendation from Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes and NG Waterfield, Commissioner of the Peshawar Division.
[9] It was claimed that, "unlike many narrow-minded [dubious – discuss] and bigoted Muslim chiefs" he was a person of eclectic views and followed a liberal, tolerant Sufic perspective, maintaining 'close life-long friendships with his old Sikh and Hindu colleagues-in-arms'.