Web Desk: Gunmen shot dead prominent cleric and former provincial lawmaker Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, police said, in an attack that underscores rising violence targeting religious and political figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The shooting took place in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda district as Idrees was on his way to a seminary to teach a Hadith lesson. Unidentified assailants opened fire on his vehicle, leaving him critically wounded. He later died while being transported to a hospital, officials said.
Police said at least two officers assigned to protect Idrees were also wounded in the attack and were receiving medical treatment. The attackers fled the scene and no group immediately claimed responsibility.
Authorities moved Idrees’ body to the District Headquarters Hospital, where thousands of mourners, including students and followers, gathered upon hearing the news. The large turnout reflected his deep influence in religious circles and beyond.
Idrees, widely known as a Sheikh ul Hadees (Hadith scholar), was regarded as a leading religious figure in Pakistan. He dedicated his life to teaching and the promotion of Islamic scholarship, mentoring thousands of students who now serve in religious institutions across the country and abroad.
In addition to his scholarly work, he remained active in politics and served as a member of the provincial assembly, representing his constituency in Charsadda. His hometown of Tarangzai gained recognition for its religious learning largely due to his contributions.
The killing highlights growing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where attacks on clerics and political figures have increased in recent years. Analysts say such incidents risk exacerbating instability and undermining sectarian harmony in the region.
Moreover, the broad daylight assassination of a high-profile figure raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements. Officials have yet to announce any arrests, but police said an investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, local authorities face mounting pressure to bring those responsible to justice swiftly and to maintain order amid public grief and anger following the killing.
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