Religious scholars' killings spark panic

K-P police chief directs strict security for religious leaders

PESHAWAR:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed has taken notice of a tragic incident in the jurisdiction of Pushtakhara Police Station, where Qari Ejaz was martyred and Qari Shahid was injured in an attack.

Following the incident, the IG has sought a report from the Capital City Police and directed the formation of special teams to trace the culprits behind the attack on religious figures.

Additionally, the City Police Chief (CCPO) has been instructed to tighten security for religious leaders.

IG Zulfiqar Hameed emphasized that those targeting religious figures will not be allowed to succeed in their malicious objectives.

"The safety of religious leaders, places of worship, and the general public remains our top priority," he added.

Meanwhile, the Counter -Terrorism Department (CTD) and the police were directed to prepare reports on incidents of target killings in wake of increasing number of cases since January this year.

The Counter-Terrorism Department is investigating cases of attacks on religious figures, including Qazi Zahoor, Mufti Munir Shakir, and Qari Maulana Ejaz, who were targeted in Peshawar and surrounding areas like Budh Beir and Pashtkhara.

Capital Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan convened a meeting at Malik Muhammad Shaheed Police Lines to discuss recent target killings and measures for security of prominent religious leaders and scholars.

During the meeting, the CCPO assured that all resources are being utilised to maintain law and order, protect places of worship, and prevent further incidents.

The protection of scholars, places of worship, and citizens is a top priority for the police, he said, adding that the police are committed to maintaining interfaith harmony and protecting the rights and safety of all sects and schools of thought. The government aims to expose elements that spread discord and threaten national security, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

The meeting, attended by SSP Operations Masood Ahmad, aimed to discuss security measures and law and order in the city. Notable scholars such as Maulana Amanullah Haqqani, Abdul Rauf Jan and Maulana Syed Wal Arifeen were also present in the meeting. (More input from APP)