Report by Anwar Zada Gulyar
Bajaur: Central leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) and former National Assembly candidate Maulana Khan Zeb was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants. His police guard also lost his life in the attack, while three others sustained injuries.
According to police sources, the tragic incident occurred near Shandai Mor, just a few steps from the district headquarters in Khar Tehsil. Maulana Khan Zeb was actively campaigning for the upcoming Aman Paasoon (Peace March) scheduled for July 13, when unknown motorbike-riding attackers opened indiscriminate fire on his vehicle. Maulana Khan Zeb died on the spot.
Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the deceased and injured to the District Headquarters Hospital. The incident triggered a wave of panic across the area, prompting security forces to cordon off the vicinity and launch a search operation.
News of the assassination spread rapidly, prompting a large number of ANP workers and local residents to gather at the hospital. In protest, angry party activists placed Maulana Khan Zeb’s body on the road, demanding justice. However, after consultations with family members and political leaders, the protest was called off. It was announced that Maulana Khan Zeb’s funeral prayer would be offered at 11 PM, after which a future course of action would be decided.
Maulana Khan Zeb was a prominent and active member of the Awami National Party and had previously contested elections from Bajaur. His martyrdom has sparked widespread grief and condemnation from political, social, and tribal circles. ANP leaders have strongly denounced the killing and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
