Maulana Muhammad Idrees, a prominent cleric and district ameer of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), has been killed on Tuesday morning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Police officials confirmed that unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle while he was traveling from his home in Tarangzai to Darul Uloom Noumania.
The attack took place in the Tariqabad Utmanzai area shortly before the cleric reached his destination.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Safiullah, the firing resulted in the death of Maulana Idrees and left two police officials injured. Authorities have since collected CCTV footage from the site to assist in the investigation.
The cleric’s body was moved to the District Headquarter Hospital following the incident.
Maulana Idrees was a significant figure in religious and political circles, serving as an adviser to Maulana Fazal ur Rehman.
His death carries historical weight as his father-in-law, Maulana Hassan Jan, was also assassinated in the past. Maulana Hassan Jan had notably defeated ANP leader Abdul Wali Khan in Charsadda before being targeted by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The incident triggered strong reactions from government and political leaders. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the killing, stating, “Such cowardly acts cannot demoralise the nation.” He further noted that the country’s resolve to eradicate terrorism remains “strong and unwavering.”
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss and directed that the injured police officials receive immediate medical care.
KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the shooting and sought a report from the Mardan regional police officer. He ordered the police to take all necessary steps to arrest the perpetrators.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attack, with the Governor describing the cleric’s death as an “irreparable loss” for the country.
Political figures highlighted concerns over the security situation in the province. Senator Aimal Wali Khan of the Awami National Party (ANP) stated that the killing is “clear evidence” of the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that target killings and terrorism have become a norm in the region.
