Two bike-borne assailants killed Maulana Muhammad Idrees, a prominent cleric of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) who was involved in peace negotiations with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday. The attack occurred while Idrees was traveling to Darul Uloom Utmanzai in Charsadda district.
ISKP Claims Responsibility
The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the assassination, which is part of a series of targeted killings of JUI-F figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Idrees, a former provincial lawmaker from Charsadda, was shot dead near his destination. The killing has also highlighted the cleric's past disagreements with Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Context of Violence
This incident adds to the growing violence against JUI-F leaders in the region. The group has been a key player in attempts to broker peace with the TTP, but such efforts have faced significant challenges. Idrees was known for his role in these talks, making him a target for militant groups opposed to the peace process.
The assassination has drawn condemnation from political and religious leaders, who have called for enhanced security measures to protect public figures. Investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators, who fled the scene after the shooting.
