LOWER DIR: Police in Lower Dir have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on cricketer Naseem Shah’s residence in the Mayar area earlier this month, officials said the other day.

The attack had occurred in the early hours of November 10, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the main gate of the cricketer’s house at around 1:45 am, leaving bullet marks on doors, walls and windows. The attackers had fled immediately, leaving the family shaken but unharmed.

A special police team led by SP Investigation Rashid Ahmed Khan along with SDPO circle Jandol Alim Khan, SHO Idrees Khan of Mayar police station and chief information officer (CIO) Hayat Muhammad Khan conducted a meticulous investigation. Reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence from the vicinity, the authorities identified and arrested the suspects, Shah Hayat, son of Bakht Munir; Wilayat Khan and Javed, resident of Jabagai after Naseem Shah’s father nominated them in the case. During interrogation, all three confessed to their involvement in the attack, the police claimed.

Police revealed that the motive appears to be related to a recent land dispute between two local families. “A few days before the incident, they developed a disagreement over the land and subsequently on another day when one party was cultivating wheat on the disputed land, the other party allegedly opened fire. The reason for targeting Naseem Shah’s house was that his mother is related to one of the rival families,” an official explained.

A case has been registered on the application of Zafar Shah, father of cricketer Naseem Shah, under the relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the investigation is ongoing.

The authorities have enhanced security around the cricketer’s residence to prevent any further incidents.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025