JUI-F announces nationwide protests over killing of Maulana Sheikh Idrees

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced nationwide peaceful protests following the killing of religious scholar Sheikh Muhammad Idrees, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Mardan earlier today, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.

Party spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said that protests would be held on Wednesday and Friday on the directives of party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

"He instructed provincial and district organisations to stage demonstrations across all provincial capitals and districts."

Calling the killing "an irreparable loss,” Ghauri said the nation had been repeatedly shaken by the deaths of religious scholars.

“We are tired of burying respected scholars. How long will the state continue to test us?” he said.

He blamed both federal and provincial governments for failing to maintain law and order, and urged citizens to join protests against rising insecurity. 

Meanwhile, in Peshawar, a delegation led by Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed to discuss the killing and demand the swift arrest of those responsible.

The meeting was also attended by senior Counter Terrorism Department officials.

The police chief expressed condolences over the killing and assured the delegation that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He said special investigation teams had been formed and that work was underway on solid evidence.

According to officials, the attack took place when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on Sheikh Idrees, killing him on the spot.

Two police personnel assigned to his security were also injured in the incident.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station on the complaint of injured constable Sher Alam. 

The case includes charges of murder and terrorism against unknown assailants.

Police said an investigation is underway to identify and arrest the attackers.