NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Unknown attackers gunned down a local leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and his colleague near Mirali town here on Thursday night.

Locals and officials said Qari Samiuddin and his colleague, Hafiz Numan Dawar were on way home in Eidek village when their car was ambushed on Bichi Road. Both died on the spot.

Relatives said Qari Sami had no feud with anyone.

His funeral prayers were held at a seminary attended by MNA Mohsin Dawar and a large number of people.

This was the second targeted attack on JUI-F leadership in the restive district during last one week.

On Monday, unidentified gunmen had killed a party’s councilor-elect Malik Murtaza, also belonging to Eidak village.

He was elected councillor during the second phase of the local body elections.

Qari Sami was head of the JUI-F’s Mirali subdivision. He had contested election on the party ticket from PK-111.

The deceased actively participated in local politics, often criticising the administration and law enforcement agencies for not handling law and order situation in the district, particularly targeted killing.

Army’s General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Naeem Akhthar, in a statement, condemned the killing.

He termed Qari Sami a strong voice for peace in the area and vowed to bring the killers to justice.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2022