Charsadda witnessed a shocking act of violence on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen killed renowned cleric Maulana Muhammad Idrees. Police officials confirmed that assailants opened fire on his vehicle as he traveled from his home in Tarangzai toward Darul Uloom Noumania. The brutal incident occurred in the Tariqabad Utmanzai area and left two security personnel injured as well.
Community Mourns a Respected Leader
Authorities quickly shifted the cleric’s body to the District Headquarters Hospital following the attack. Police secured CCTV footage from the scene and launched an immediate investigation. Meanwhile, senior officials expressed strong condemnation and promised swift action against the culprits.
KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed took serious notice of the killing. He directed the Mardan regional police officer to submit a detailed report and arrest those responsible without delay. IG Hameed also extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice soon.
Transitioning to political reactions, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the incident. “The martyrdom of Maulana Muhammad Idrees is regrettable,” he stated. Afridi directed police to provide the best medical care to the injured officials and assured full support to the bereaved family. Similarly, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the loss as irreparable for the country and sought a comprehensive report from concerned authorities.
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan voiced deep sorrow and raised serious concerns about rising terrorism in the province. He questioned when peace would finally return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that no one feels safe anymore.
Maulana Idrees hailed from Tarangzai and served as the district ameer of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). He acted as one of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s key advisers. Notably, his father-in-law, Maulana Hassan Jan, had also fallen victim to targeted killing years earlier for opposing armed militancy.
This tragic event has sent ripples of fear across religious and political circles in the region. Residents demand immediate steps to curb such targeted attacks and restore security.
