CHARSADDA: Prominent religious scholar Sheikh Muhammad Idrees was martyred in a targeted attack carried out by terrorists in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda district in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said.
According to police, terrorists opened fire on a vehicle carrying Idrees, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his wounds. Two police constables, identified as Pervez and Sher Alam, who were assigned to his security, were also injured and shifted to a nearby medical facility.
Initial investigations indicate that the attackers specifically targeted Idrees as he was travelling from his residence to a religious seminary in Utmanzai.
Authorities said the attackers were Khawarij — a term used by officials for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups.
“Their only objective is to disturb peace, weaken social cohesion, create insecurity, and impose terror through brutality,” a security official told WE News.
Pattern of Attacks on Religious Figures
The killing highlights a continuing pattern of violence targeting religious scholars and community figures in the region.
Security officials say such attacks are aimed at undermining public confidence, destabilising communities, and spreading fear among civilians.
The attack and martyrdom of Sheikh Muhammad Idrees in Charsadda is not an isolated incident, the officials said.
“It is part of the Khawarij’s broader campaign against religious scholars, public stability, community confidence, lawful order, and social harmony,” a security official said, and added that by targeting Ulema, the ‘Khawarij’ have exposed their deep hostility toward Islamic ethics, religious knowledge, human dignity, moral discipline, and civilized norms.
Idrees hailed from the Tarangzai area of Charsadda and was affiliated with the religious, political party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). He had previously served as a member of the provincial assembly and was a close associate of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
His father-in-law, Maulana Hassan Jan, himself a prominent Islamic Scholar, was also martyred in a gun attack in 2007 after opposing militancy linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Wider Security Concerns
Authorities noted that terrorists have increasingly targeted a range of individuals, including scholars, teachers, security personnel, and civilians, in a bid to disrupt peace and social stability.
Officials added that these attacks form part of broader efforts to weaken law and order and create insecurity in affected areas.
Authorities Respond
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the killing of Maulana Muhammad Idrees in Charsadda.
The prime minister conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the police personnel injured in the incident.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the incident and sought a report from the regional police officer in Mardan.
He directed officials to take immediate steps to arrest those responsible and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the attack and ordered a report from the police.
“The martyrdom of Maulana Muhammad Idrees is regrettable. We stand with the family in this difficult time,” he said, directing authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured personnel.
