Peshawar: Protests erupted across the festive province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan on Tuesday after a prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack by unidentified gunmen.
The assailants ambushed his vehicle in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda district, opening fire and injuring two security guards who were accompanying him, as reported by PTI.
The cleric was regarded as a respected religious scholar and known for his contributions to Islamic education in the region.
Idrees was on his way to deliver a Dars-e-Hadith (religious lecture) at Darul Uloom Utmanzai when he was attacked, the police said. He reportedly sustained critical injuries and died while being transported to the District Headquarters Hospital.
The cleric’s body was taken to his native village, Turangzai, where large crowds gathered after news of his death spread.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched towards Charsadda city, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. The protesters also staged a sit-in at Farooq-e-Azam Chowk, calling for swift justice and enhanced security measures.
While security forces are trying to bring the situation under control, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IGP Zulfiqar Hameed sought a report from the regional police officer in Mardan and directed law enforcement agencies to expedite the arrest of the attackers.
Hameed described Idrees’ services as ‘unforgettable’ and termed the killing a ‘heinous act.’
Sohail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, condemned the attack, expressing grief and extending support to the bereaved family. He also instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured security personnel.
Pakistan’s president Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the killing and offered their condolences to the family.
