A Christian priest of a Peshawar church was shot dead and his companion was injured in a firing incident on Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

William Siraj and Patrick were targeted by unidentified gunmen on Peshawar’s Ring Road.

William Siraj died on the spot while Patrick was rushed to a hospital with bullet wounds where the doctors said that he was stable.

Police teams rushed to the crime scene and cordoned off the area launching a search operation to arrest the attackers.

Talking to the media, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Abbas Ahsan said that the attack on the Christian community is a tragic incident.

He said as a result of firing William Siraj was shot dead.

Initially, there were two assailants in the incident, CCPO said.

CCPO said a comprehensive investigation has been launched. He further said an incident is a terrorist act.

Abbas Ahsan also said the elements involved in this incident will be exposed soon.

CCPO said that the team is viewing other data, including geo-fencing.

CCPO said that the team is committed to the protection of minorities.

A team consisting of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Peshawar Police has been formed.