Dera Ismail Khan,1 January, 2024 (GNP): In a concerning turn of events, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, faced an attack on Sunday as his convoy was targeted near the Yarik interchange in Dera Ismail Khan.
The assault, confirmed by the party’s spokesperson Mufti Abrar to a news channel, unfolded when the motorcade was fired upon from various directions.
According to Mufti Abrar, the JUI-F leader was passing through DI Khan on that fateful day when the convoy became the target near the toll plaza.
Despite the gravity of the situation, reassurance regarding Maulana Fazal ur Rehman’s safety was promptly provided, ensuring that the safety of the seasoned politician.
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However, conflicting reports arose as Maulana’s brother, speaking to a media channel, refuted the alleged assault, asserting that the JUI-F chief was at home when the incident transpired.
The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances deepens, especially as Maulana’s vehicle had reportedly stopped for refueling near the Yarik interchange at the time of the incident.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of persistent security concerns voiced by Maulana Fazal ur Rehman.
The veteran politician has consistently raised doubts about the feasibility of holding elections due to the perceived “unstable” security situation in certain areas of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Condemning the attack on JUI-F chief Fazal ur Rehman, party leader Hafiz Hamdullah characterized the incident as a nefarious attempt to impede the party’s active participation in the electoral process.
“We have been emphasizing how elections can be conducted in such a situation,” remarked Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, underscoring the broader implications on the caretaker government’s capability to ensure security.
In a show of solidarity, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif expressed condemnation for the attack on Maulana Fazal ur Rehman’s convoy and relief at the politician’s safety.
Simultaneously, the Secretary Interior, taking note of the incident, has initiated a request for a comprehensive report from relevant officials, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
