Khan Khel is a phrase used for the ruling family in Pashtun tribal set up. Khan means the chieftain while Khel stands for a family or descendents
Khan Khel (خان خيل) is a a clan in Khattak tribe, of Afghan origin the predominant population in the villages like Akora Khatatk (Akora Khattak is named after Malik Akor Khan the grandfather of the great warrior and Pushto poet Khushal Khan Khattak) and Shaidu (haidu is home to the Akor Khel, ruling khel of the Khattak tribe, Khan Khel clan started when two sons of Khushal Khan Khattak, named Shahbaz Khan Khattak and Abdul Qadir Khan Khattak, came from Akora Khattak to Shaidu. The two larger are the descendants of these two brothers.")
Khan Khel is a clan also in Tanolis tribe, of Afghan origin the predominant population in the districts of Swat, Mardan, Torghar District, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swabi, Tarbela Township, District in Pakhal valley and Valley of Agror, North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.