In a disturbing incident on Sunday, the convoy of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was targeted in a brazen attack at the Yarik Interchange in Dera Ismail Khan, party officials said.
The assailants opened fire on the convoy, aiming from two sides, according to preliminary information.
Fortunately, all individuals, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, emerged unharmed from the attack.
The JUI-F chief was reportedly passing through Dera Ismail Khan as part of his election campaign when the incident occurred. After the attack, Fazl successfully reached his ancestral home in Abdul Khel, where he is reported to be safe.
JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghori condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act. Ghori expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of concrete action by the administration despite repeated warnings about the threats faced by the party’s leadership.
“We have repeatedly warned that the situation is not favourable for our leadership,” Ghori stated in a press release. He criticized the administration for writing threat letters daily without taking effective measures.
Ghori urged an immediate investigation into the incident, questioning the institutions responsible for ensuring the safety of political figures.
Furthermore, Ghori highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, expressing concerns about the escalating security challenges faced by political leaders in the wake of general elections, scheduled for February 8.
Contrary to initial reports, Regional Police Officer (RPO) DI Khan Nasir Mehmood Satti stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is safe. Satti clarified that the JUI-F chief was present to refuel his vehicle and that the firing was not targeted at him. According to Satti, the gunfire was directed towards the Toll Plaza, adding a different dimension to the incident.
Taking notice of the reports, the interior secretary has called for a report on the incident.
“Miscreants will not be allowed to spread chaos and sow discord in the country,” said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior.
He said full security will be provided for political activities during election campaign, adding that all possible steps will be taken to ensure law and order and safety of the people.
