In a tragic incident of political violence, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Maulana Khan Zaib was shot dead near Khar Tehsil headquarters in Bajaur. The attack also claimed another life and left three others injured. Maulana Zaib was actively campaigning for the upcoming July 13 peace rally when the fatal shooting occurred.
ANP Leader Targeted
According to Bajaur District Police Officer Waqas Rafiq, unknown assailants opened fire on Maulana Zaib and his associates. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Zaib, known for his moderate views, was the head of ANP’s Ulema Council and a former National Assembly candidate.
The targeted killing has sent shockwaves through the region, already facing rising instability. The ANP had been mobilising public support for its peace campaign in a region frequently hit by militancy.
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Political Reactions and Mourning
Soon after the news broke, ANP leaders and supporters expressed outrage and grief. ANP President Senator Aimal Wali Khan took to social media platform X, sharing a picture with Maulana Zaib and writing: “Devastated.”
ANP’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain condemned the assassination and announced a three-day mourning period across the province. He called the killing a “clear proof” that militants have regained space in the region, while the state remains passive.
Flash Protest Erupts
The attack triggered a brief but tense protest by ANP supporters and local residents. Protesters demanded immediate action against those responsible and greater security for political workers in conflict-prone areas.
While the protest ended peacefully, it underscored growing fears that political activism in tribal districts remains dangerous. The incident also highlights the fragile law and order situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in Bajaur.
This latest attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of candidates and political leaders ahead of upcoming political events, especially in areas vulnerable to extremist violence. Calls for justice and accountability have grown louder, but whether the state responds decisively remains uncertain.
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