Maulana Khanzeb was shot dead while campaigning for ‘Aman March’ in Bajaur
BAJAUR
Awami National Party’s Central Secretary for Ulema Affairs, Maulana Khanzeb, and his colleague Dr. Tariq were shot dead in Bajaur on Thursday, while three others were injured in the attack.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq, three of Maulana Khan Zaib’s companions were also injured in the attack and have been shifted to the hospital for treatment.
DPO said that unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on Maulana Khanzeb near Shindai Mor, just a few steps away from the Tehsil Khar headquarters.
Maulana Khanzeb was reportedly campaigning for the ‘Aman March’ scheduled for July 13 in Bajaur when the attack occurred.
The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The ANP leadership condemned the incident, terming it a cowardly act aimed at sabotaging peace efforts in the region.
An investigation is underway, and police have launched a search operation to trace the attackers, said police.
Following the assassination of ANP leader Maulana Khanzeb, angry workers of the party and local residents took to the streets, carrying Khanzeb’s coffin in a large protest rally through Khar Bazaar. The demonstration turned violent when protesters stormed a security forces office and pelted stones.
In response, security personnel fired into the air to disperse the crowd, further escalating tensions in the region.
Party leaders confirmed that Maulana Khanzeb had been campaigning for the “Aman March” scheduled for July 13 when he was gunned down by unidentified assailants.
The funeral prayers for Maulana Khanzeb will be held on Friday (today) in his native village of Nawagai area of Bajaur.
The situation in Bajaur remains tense, with a heavy presence of law enforcement to maintain order.
