Two people, including Nawagai Bazaar traders’ association president Ismail Zargar, were killed in firing by unidentified gunmen in Inayat Kali Bazaar in Bajaur district.

According to local sources, Zargar had gone to Inayat Kali Bazaar for business when unidentified assailants opened fire on him. Zargar and his driver, Ajmal Khan, sustained injuries in the attack.

The two were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Khar, where they succumbed to their injuries.

Police said an investigation into the incident was underway, but the motive behind the attack and the identity of the assailants were not immediately known.

According to Zargar’s cousin and Nawagai elders’ general secretary Qazi Sarhad Ali, Zargar was the only brother of 11 sisters and was a prominent social and business figure in the area.

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Ali said Zargar was a jeweller by profession and ran a gold business. He regularly supported traders in raising their issues and was also actively involved in public service. He added that Zargar was a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) worker and a supporter of Imran Khan.

Zargar’s family said he is survived by four sons and four daughters. His eldest son is around 16 years old.

Following news of the killings, traders and residents staged a protest in Nawagai Bazaar. The protesters condemned the incident, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area and demanded protection for citizens and the arrest of those responsible.

Meanwhile, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Sheikh Jahan Zada condemned the killings of Zargar and Ajmal Khan and expressed deep concern over the incident.

He said the killing of innocent people in Bajaur was extremely tragic and alarming and called for effective measures to restore lasting peace in the region. He urged the government and relevant state institutions to bring those involved in the killings to justice and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

The funeral prayers for the two deceased will be offered at Darbano in Nawagai at 6pm on September 29.

Police said investigations were continuing to determine the motive for the attack and identify those involved.