ANP Leader Among Two Killed in Bajaur Shooting

Two individuals, including Maulana Khan Zaib, a prominent leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), were fatally shot on Thursday near the Khar Tehsil headquarters in Bajaur.

According to Bajaur District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq, the ANP leader was attacked and killed while actively campaigning for the peace movement scheduled for July 13.

The senior law enforcement official further stated that the gunfire also resulted in injuries to three of Maulana’s associates, who were promptly transported to a nearby medical facility.

Maulana Zaib held the position of head of ANP’s Ulema Council and had previously been a candidate for the National Assembly.

Following the tragic incident, ANP supporters and concerned citizens organized a demonstration to voice their outrage, which concluded shortly thereafter.

ANP President Senator Aimal Wali Khan conveyed his sorrow regarding the assault in a post on X, accompanied by a photograph with the deceased politician, expressing his devastation.

The funeral prayer for Maulana is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 11am in Nawagai, as announced by the district president of ANP.

In a separate incident last week, a devastating explosion in Tehsil Khar of Bajaur district resulted in the loss of five lives, including Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Ismail.

The prior attack also claimed the lives of Tehsildar Abdul Wakeel, along with two police officers and an innocent bystander. Additionally, eleven individuals, including five police personnel, sustained injuries and were immediately taken to local hospitals for medical care.