A peace committee member in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district was shot dead in a targeted killing near an Afghan refugee camp, while his cousin sustained serious injuries, the police said on Sunday.

“The incident took place at the Afghan Refugees Camp in Domel tehsil, and the victims have been identified as Khwajatullah and Naseemullah,” the police said.

“Both belonged to Gangi Khel.”

The statement added that the incident occurred when Khwajatullah and Naseemullah were at a shop in Tehsil Colony to purchase groceries.

“At that moment, two unidentified armed men arrived and opened indiscriminate fire on them,” it read.

“As a result of the firing, Khwajatullah died on the spot, while Naseemullah was injured. The injured person was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he is currently under medical treatment.”

In his statement to Domel Police, Naseemullah stated that the attack was sudden and that they had no personal enmity or dispute with anyone.

District Police Officer Yasir Afridi said, “Investigations are underway, and all possible angles are being examined to ascertain the motives behind the incident.”

Separately, police neutralised explosive material planted by unknown terrorists on Eidgah Road in Domel.

According to a police official, the highly dangerous explosives weighed between three and four kilogrammes and were fitted with a remote-controlled device.

“Thanks to the professional expertise and prompt response of the Bomb Disposal Squad, the area was saved from a major tragedy,” he said.

The Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security actors coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

Armed assailants killed four members of a peace committee on January 13, police confirmed.

Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces in various localities to disrupt militant networks.