Faqir of Ipi’s grandson killed in Miranshah

The grandson of the Faqir of Ipi – a tribal hero and religious figure who led a long armed struggle against the colonial rule in former tribal areas – has been gunned down in North Waziristan.

Haji Sher Muhammad was travelling in his car along with some of his companions when a group of assailants riding in another car with tinted glasses opened fire on him with automatic weapons.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at 6:30pm in Miranshah. 

According to sources, Haji Sher, who was also the spiritual heir of his illustrious grandfather, as well as one of his companions Rahim Ullah – a resident of Khushhali village – died on the spot.  Another person, Malik Subedar Khan, who was in Sher’s vehicle, also sustained serious injuries.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants managed to flee the scene. The police and local people later reached the crime scene and shifted the dead and the injured to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Mirali. The killing of Ipi’s kin caused fear and alarm in the area.

Haji Sher Ali was regarded as a respected figure in North Waziristan district and beyond and was often approached for resolving tribal and domestic disputes. 

Haji Mirzali Khan Wazir, commonly known as the Faqir of Ipi, was a tribal chief and adversary to the British Raj in India from North Waziristan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2023.