Prominent religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Idrees was martyred on Tuesday in a targeted attack in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police confirmed.
According to officials, unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle, critically injuring him. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police described the incident as a targeted killing and stated that at least four attackers riding motorcycles were involved in the assault and fired multiple shots at Maulana Idrees’ car. Two police constables were also injured in the attack and are currently under treatment.
Maulana Idrees served as a senior teacher at Darul Uloom Haqqania and had previously been a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) representing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F).
Sources said he was on his way to deliver a Hadith lecture when the attack took place. His body was later moved to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where a large number of supporters and followers gathered after hearing the news.
Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Investigators are reviewing Safe City camera footage to trace the attackers, and special teams have been formed to probe the case.
Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees had, a few days earlier, praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had helped stop a war between Muslim countries.
After this, an Afghan Taliban-linked account and a TikTok user associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) allegedly engaged in character assassination against the religious scholar, which subsequently put his life at risk.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the killing and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed also took notice of the incident and ordered swift efforts to arrest those responsible.
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JUI-F announces nationwide protest across the country tomorrow
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) has announced a nationwide protest across the country tomorrow against the killing of its provincial leader, Maulana Muhammad Idrees.
According to the party leadership, Maulana Muhammad Idrees was martyred earlier today, triggering strong grief and anger among JUI-F leaders and workers.
The provincial leadership stated that the killing has caused deep shock within the party ranks and added that protests will be held nationwide to condemn the incident and demand justice.
Party representatives said that further details regarding protest locations and schedules will be shared soon, and urged workers and supporters to participate in large numbers.
