Peshawar, July 10: Maulana Khan Zeb, a prominent leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), was shot and killed, on Thursday, by unknown gunmen in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan. The attack occurred while Khan Zeb was campaigning for a peace parade set for July 13 in Shindai Mor. The gunmen, riding motorcycles, opened fire on his car, critically injuring the politician, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The attack also claimed the life of a policeman and left three civilians injured.
Bajaur District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq confirmed the targeted nature of the killing, but no group or individual immediately claimed responsibility. He added that evidence had been collected from the crime scene for further investigation. ANP President Senator Aimal Wali Khan condemned the attack, stating that an FIR would be filed against the state after consulting with Khan Zeb’s family.
Mian Ifitkhar Hussain, ANP’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) President, also condemned the incident and declared three days of mourning, emphasizing that the attack was an assault not only on the ANP but also on Pashtun identity and peace. KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a statement condemning the violence, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice, and assuring the public that those responsible would face legal consequences. (PTI)
