MALAKAND: The Malakand Levies on Monday arrested two men for the murder of social worker Mohammad Zada of Agra area. The accused, including Zubair of Sakhakot and Dawood of Dargai, were produced before the media amid tight security.

Social worker Mohammad Zada Agrawal was gunned down in the College Colony area on Nov 8. He had launched a campaign against drug traffickers in the district.

Deputy commissioner Anwarul Haq said a Kalashnikov and a motorcycle used in the crime had been recovered from the accused.

He said the accused, who had confessed to the murder during preliminary interrogation, worked for drug traffickers in the district. The DC said a gang of 61 criminals were involved in drug trafficking.

He said around 30 drug dealers had been arrested from across the district, while a search for the others was under way. Mr Haq said an anti-narcotics force named after social activist Mohammad Zada had been formed to fight drugs in the area. The murder of Muhammad Zada sparked street protests across the region.

The protesters, including activists of political parties and social organisations, insisted that Mohammad Zada received death threats for his work against drug dealers but the district administration and Levies and police didn’t provide him with security.

Soon after his murder, provincial Chief Minister Mahmood Khan ordered the removal of then deputy commissioner Altaf Ahmed Shaikh and assistant commissioner Fawad Khattak and directed the relevant authorities to probe the incident to trace culprits.

Also, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly condemned the murder of the social activist and called for legislation for the punishment of narcotics dealers in the province.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.