A powerful explosion on the outskirts of Peshawar claimed the life of Mufti Munir Shakir, a well-known religious scholar and founder of the banned group Lashkar-i-Islam. The attack, which took place in the Ormur area just before Iftari, also left four others injured.
Authorities reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been planted along the scholar’s route. The explosion occurred as Mufti Munir Shakir was returning from Asar prayers at a local mosque. He was among those critically wounded and was rushed to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), where he succumbed to his injuries.
Peshawar’s Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) confirmed that Mufti Shakir was the primary target of the attack. A large-scale search operation is currently underway, with police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) teams combing the area for leads. Investigators are working to determine the individuals or groups behind the bombing.
Mufti Munir Shakir had gained notoriety for his controversial sermons and was actively followed on social media. His influence extended beyond religious circles, making him a prominent yet polarizing figure in certain quarters.
Escalating Violence Against Religious Figures
The attack on Mufti Munir Shakir comes amid a worrying trend of targeted violence against religious scholars. Just last month, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), was killed in a suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The incident, which also claimed the lives of two others, marked another grim chapter in attacks on prominent clerics.
Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq had taken over JUI-S leadership after the 2018 assassination of his father, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, who was stabbed multiple times at his residence in Rawalpindi.
Investigation Going On as Mufti Munir Shakir Killed in Peshawar
Security officials have ramped up surveillance and investigative efforts following the Peshawar blast. Intelligence agencies are assessing possible links to militant factions or rival groups. Given Mufti Munir Shakir’s past affiliations and controversial stature, authorities are exploring multiple angles, including ideological and political motives behind the attack.
With the recent rise in targeted attacks, law enforcement agencies are under mounting pressure to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of religious scholars and influential figures in the region.
Also, see:
What Happens to Your Body If You Eat Dates Daily for 30 Days?
