HRCP condemns killing of PTI-affiliated poll candidate in Bajaur

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the assassination of a political candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district on Wednesday. The incident is believed to be a targeted killing.

 Zeb, affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a member of HRCP, fell victim to the brutal attack, highlighting the dangers faced by political figures in the lead-up to the general elections.

The HRCP in a statement expressed deep concern over the situation stating: "HRCP is increasingly alarmed by the escalation in violence that has targeted the PTI in Sibi, the PPP in Quetta and the NDM in North Waziristan in January alone."

The human rights watchdog urged both the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure the perpetrators behind this attack are identified and brought to justice.

Read also: PTI-affiliated election candidate from Bajaur shot dead

Khan was the candidate from NA-8 Bajaur. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area earlier in the day.

The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan confirmed the reports of PTI leader's murder.

Khan, contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for provincial assembly seat PK-22.

Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate canvassing for the upcoming general elections when he was attacked by unidentified attackers while he was in his personal vehicle.