CHARSADDA: Renowned religious scholar and former JUI-F MPA Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idrees was shot dead in a targeted attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda district on Tuesday, police said.
The incident took place in the Utmanzai area as the cleric was travelling from his home to a madrassa. Unidentified assailants riding motorcycles opened fire on his vehicle, killing him on the spot.
District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Waqas confirmed that two police personnel assigned to his security were also injured in the attack and were shifted to Peshawar for treatment. Police said the attackers fired multiple rounds at around 8:10am, and the cleric succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said investigations were underway from multiple angles. CCTV footage has been obtained, while shell casings and other evidence collected from the scene have been sent for forensic analysis. Authorities added that images of the suspects have been retrieved through Safe City cameras, and teams from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police have been formed to track down those involved.
The Central Police Office described the incident as a planned targeted killing, noting that the attackers had followed the cleric’s vehicle before opening fire. Officials said nine 9mm bullet casings were recovered from the scene.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the killing, offering condolences to the family and reaffirming the country’s resolve against terrorism. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the incident and sought a detailed report, directing authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured personnel.
Meanwhile, JUI-F provincial emir Senator Maulana Ataur Rehman criticised the provincial government over the deteriorating law and order situation, holding it responsible for the attack. He warned of province-wide protests, stating that continued targeting of religious scholars was unacceptable.
He said the party would stage demonstrations across districts, demanding immediate steps to improve security, and announced a protest against both provincial and federal governments.
Attacks on religious and political figures have occurred in recent months, including the killing of Pir Ibrahim in Charsadda and ANP leader Maulana Khan Zeb in Bajaur last year, as well as other incidents targeting JUI leaders in different parts of the province.
