In an unfortunate incident, Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists shot dead a renowned religious personality and senior JUI-F leader, Sheikhal Hadith Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai, in an attack in Utmanzai area of Charsadda on Tuesday morning, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Police said that the assailants fled the spot after committing the crime near Janazgah as the Maulana, a close aide of JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, was on his way to a seminary. Two on-duty police constables were also critically injured in the incident.
The unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle carrying Sheikh Idrees Tarangzai. A hospital in Charsadda later confirmed his death.
Video footage from the scene shows a white Honda hatchback with a severely shattered rear windshield and extensive bullet damage. Large crowds gathered near the crime scene following the shooting, with bystanders and police personnel documenting the evidence.
The two injured constables, who were on duty at the time, were rushed to a nearby medical facility and remained in critical condition.
Maulana Idrees was Shaikhul Hadith from Darul Aloom Haqqania of Akora Khattak and a member of Majlis-e-Shoora of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
JUI-F calls for protests
The JUI-F has called for staging protests and demonstrations in all district headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday (tomorrow) to condemn the target of a senior religious leader.
The announcement was made by JUI KP Amir Senator Maulna Attaur Rehman, who said the protests were aimed at highlighting the utter lawlessness in the province.
Special investigation team formed
Police in Charsadda have obtained CCTV footage in connection with the killing of Maulana Idrees, as investigations intensify into the tragic incident.
District Police Officer Muhammad Waqas Khan while expressing deep sorrow over the incident, termed it a brutal and intolerable act, said the spokesman of Charsadda Police.
The DPO said the martyrdom of Maulana Idrees was a great loss not only for his family but also for society and religious circles, adding that the police stand in full solidarity with the bereaved family.
During the incident, two police personnel including Constable Sher Alam and Constable Pervez Khan also sustained injured, he said and extended best wishes for their speedy recovery.
He said that immediately after the incident a heavy police contingent reached the site, cordoned off the area and collected evidence, adding that CCTV footage from nearby locations has been obtained and is being thoroughly examined to help identify and arrest the suspects.
For a comprehensive and transparent probe, a special investigation team has been constituted under the supervision of SP Investigation Alamzeb Khan.
The team has been directed to proceed on modern scientific lines and has been provided all necessary resources to ensure early arrest of those involved.
The DPO reaffirmed that the culprits involved in this heinous act would soon be brought to justice and awarded exemplary punishment.
President vows to wipe out terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday expressed his deep grief over the martyrdom of prominent religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai in an attack that took place in Charsadda.
The president, in a statement issued in Islamabad, prayed for the elevation of the martyred scholar’s ranks in paradise and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss. He also conveyed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of the police personnel injured in the incident.
“Such cowardly terrorist acts cannot weaken the nation’s morale. The national resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from the country is strong and unwavering,” he remarked.
The president reaffirmed that indiscriminate action against terrorist elements would continue to establish peace in the country.
PM expresses grief
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the attack in Charsadda that led to the martyrdom of former JUI MPA and renowned cleric Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai.
The prime minister, in a statement, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He prayed for the elevation of the deceased’s ranks in Jannah and for patience and strength for his family during this difficult time.
The prime minister also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured police personnel.
On November 4, 2025, a senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Maulana Abdul Salam, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Charsadda.
Police said the attack took place near Hanif Petrol Pump on the Mandani-Takht Bhai Road within the limits of Mandani Police Station, when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on the cleric, killing him on the spot before escaping.
Reporters: Malik Rehman, Ahmad Mansoor, Awais Kiyani and Usman Khan