SWABI: A local PTI leader and a prominent businessman was gunned down in the main bazaar on Thursday, police have confirmed.

Shah Khalid was leaving the Swabi District Headquarters Hospital when two unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on the car he was travelling on the Swabi-Jehangira road.

The PTI leader was killed on the spot, and his dead body was taken to the DHQ hospital for autopsy.

The deceased was considered to be among the leading PTI leaders, especially in the Chota Lahor tehsil of Swabi.

He was also a prominent name in the mining business. He had contested the election for PTI district president but could not succeed.

JUI-N candidate survives assassination attempt in Quetta

While the family has not yet commented on the cause of the killing, insiders said the attack was a result of a “dispute over mines”.

PTI district president Sohail Yousafzai has demanded the prompt arrest of Mr Khalid’s killers.

He said it was the state’s responsibility to provide security to the people.

He added that PTI has been deprived of a key leader at a crucial time just before the general elections.

JUI-N candidate attacked

Separately, a JUI-Nazaryati leader survived an assassination attempt outside his house in Quetta on Thursday.

Qari Meharullah, who is also the party’s candidate for the Balochistan Assembly seat from PB-45 (Quetta), said he was leaving his house for Fajr prayers when unknown armed men opened fire.

“As they started firing, I rushed back inside,” the JUI-N leader said, adding that many bullets hit the main gate and wall of his residence. He confirmed that he remained unhurt in the attack.

The party has lodged a report with the police, and an investigation has been launched.

JUI-N Emir Maulana Abdul Qadir Luni has strongly condemned the attack on Mr Mehar­ullah’s life and said despite his party’s apprehensions over such attacks, the caretaker government has not provided any security to its candidates in Quetta and other areas.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Mr Luni added that the party had informed the Balochistan police chief and other authorities about security concerts, “but no security has been provided to leaders”.

He gave a 15-day ultimatum for the attackers’ arrest and warned that in case of failure, JUI-N would launch protests across the province.

Later, the party workers also staged a protest in front of the Press Club and chanted slogans against the government.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2024