Gunmen open fire at Naseem Shah’s home in Lower Dir, five arrested

Five suspects have been taken into custody after unknown gunmen opened fire at the home of national cricket team fast bowler Naseem Shah, police said on Sunday.

According to authorities, the incident occurred at Shah’s residence in Mayar, Lower Dir, where the assailants targeted the main gate, windows, and a parked vehicle. Police reached the scene promptly, but the suspects managed to flee before being apprehended.

“Unidentified assailants opened fire at the residence of national cricket team fast bowler Naseem Shah,” a police spokesperson said. “The firing damaged the main gate, windows, and a vehicle at the property. Police reached the scene, and five suspects have been taken into custody. Mayar Police Station has registered a case, and further action is underway to arrest those involved."

Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack.

Naseem Shah, 22, is one of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers. Born on February 15, 2003, in Mayar, Lower Dir, Shah rose through domestic cricket ranks before making his international debut. He made his Test debut in November 2019 against Australia and has since featured in Pakistan’s ODI and T20 squads.

Early in his career, Shah became the second-youngest bowler from Pakistan to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match, achieving the feat against Sri Lanka. Known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, he has emerged as a key member of Pakistan’s pace attack at a young age.

Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing. “Mayar Police Station has registered a case and further action is underway to arrest those involved,” police added.

The attack comes as a reminder of the security challenges faced by high-profile sports figures in the country. Law enforcement officials said the suspects are being questioned, and police are working to determine the motive behind the attack.

Shah remains active in national and domestic cricket, representing Pakistan in international fixtures. Officials have assured that security measures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.