SWABI, Feb 18: Unidentified motorcyclists shot dead an official of the special branch of police department here on Monday.

Arshad Iqbal, a head constable in special branch police, was the sixth intelligence official, who fell prey to targeted killing in the district.

Police officials recalled that the incident occurred a month after the killings of Zulfiqar Bangash, station house officer of Chota Lahor City police station, and Khanan Khan, a sub-inspector of Intelligence Bureau.

The other officials of intelligence agencies, killed in terrorist attacks, included Arshad Ali Ghayas, Ali Zar Khan, Khanan Khan, Raj Mohammad, Maqbool Hussain and Arshad Iqbal.

Javed Khan, also a head constable in special branch police, had survived a similar attack by unidentified motorcyclists.

Sources said that Arshad Iqbal left his home for office in the district headquarters Swabi on a motorcycle. Two motorcyclists sprayed him with bullets when he reached Gar Akakhel region, they added. He was killed on the spot and the assailants managed to escape, sources said.

“The continued killing of intelligence officials has aggravated the situation. We should take extra precautionary measures to avoid further losses,” said a police officer.

An FIR was registered in Zaida City police station against the assailants. The deceased official was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard at Gar. He left behind three sons and two daughters.