A well-known religious scholar, Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was killed in a targeted attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda district, raising fresh concerns over security in the region.
According to Beyond Time News, the incident occurred when Idrees was on his way from his home in Tarangzai to Darul Uloom Noumania. Police said armed attackers opened fire on his vehicle near the Tariqabad Utmanzai area, just before he reached his destination.
Attack Details
Police spokesperson Safiullah confirmed that two police personnel were also injured in the attack. CCTV footage of the incident has been obtained, and an investigation is underway. The cleric’s body was later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.
Officials React
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the regional police officer in Mardan. He directed authorities to take swift action to arrest those involved and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the killing, calling it a tragic loss. He ordered a detailed report and instructed officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured personnel.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the cleric’s death as an “irreparable loss” and sought a report from concerned authorities.
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Political and Public Response
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan expressed deep sorrow and questioned when lasting peace would be restored in the province, stating that no one appears safe from militant attacks.
Background
Maulana Muhammad Idrees belonged to Charsadda’s Tarangzai area and served as the district ameer of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). He was also regarded as a close associate of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
His father-in-law, Maulana Hassan Jan, was also assassinated in the past for opposing militant activities, highlighting a long history of targeted violence against religious figures in the region.
The attack underscores ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with authorities under pressure to bring those responsible to justice.
