PESHAWAR: The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Peshawar Central Jail and his brother were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Thursday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district, on a day when the first day of Eidul Azha is being celebrated in some districts of the province.

Police officials in Charsadda said DSP Zahir Shah was shot while he was exchanging Eid greetings at his hujra or guesthouse in Charsadda's Mandai area.

Local residents said that four armed men arrived on motorcycles and two went inside the premises posing as visitors to exchange Eid greetings with Shah, who was sitting in a compound adjacent to his house.

The attackers opened fire on the DSP following which his brother, who was nearby, rushed to the scene with a gun. The two assailants who were waiting outside shot Zahir Shah's brother, the residents said.

“Unknown gunmen shot dead Zahir Shah and his brother and fled on motorcycles,” local police station chief Hassan Khan told AFP.

District police chief Shafi Ullah confirmed the incident.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility but Taliban militants have targeted police, politicians and government officials in the past.

A contingent of police reached the site soon after the incident and cordoned off the area. A search operation was subsequently initiated as a probe into the incident went underway.

Last night, three suspected terrorists were killed in an ambush with police in Charsadda's Akhunzada area. Police also recovered weapons and hand grenades from the terrorists.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...