CHARSADDA: A senior religious scholar and close aide of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idris, was shot dead in what police described as a targeted attack in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda on Tuesday, triggering protests and heightened tensions in the region.

According to local sources, unidentified armed men opened fire on Maulana Idris, killing him on the spot before fleeing the scene. His body was later shifted to a nearby hospital.

According to police, two security guards accompanying Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idris were also injured in the attack and have been shifted to hospital for treatment.

Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idris was serving as a senior teacher at Darul Uloom Haqqania and had also previously served as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA). He was the son-in-law of late renowned religious scholar Maulana Sheikh Hassan Jan.

Following the incident, a large number of people gathered in protest, expressing grief and anger over the killing. The area witnessed heightened emotions as supporters and locals demanded justice.

Prominent religious scholars, political and social figures have strongly condemned the killing. Senior journalist Hamid Mir and others also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for the arrest of those responsible.

The funeral prayer (Namaz-e-Janaza) of Shaheed Sheikh Muhammad Idris will be offered today (May 5) at 5:30 PM in his native area of Tarangzai. All are requested to attend.

Security has been tightened in the area, while law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the incident. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.