A prominent religious scholar, Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead on Tuesday in Charsadda after unidentified assailants opened fire, police confirmed.
According to authorities, two police officials were also injured in the attack. The cleric’s body was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, while the injured officers are receiving medical treatment.
Zulfiqar Hameed, Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, took immediate notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the regional police officer in Mardan. He directed officials to take swift action to apprehend those responsible and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the killing, terming it a tragic loss. In an official statement, he expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured police personnel.
Similarly, Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling the cleric’s death an “irreparable loss” for the country. He also directed concerned authorities to submit a comprehensive report.
The slain cleric had familial ties to Maulana Hassan Jan, a religious figure who was also assassinated in the past after opposing militancy. Hassan Jan had earlier gained prominence for defeating Abdul Wali Khan, a senior leader of the Awami National Party, in Charsadda.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the latest attack, while security measures in the area have been heightened following the incident.
