Authorities have made notable progress in the investigation of the targeted killing of prominent religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Idrees in Charsadda, apprehending seven suspects and intensifying forensic and surveillance efforts.
Maulana Idrees, a senior cleric associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, was fatally shot on May 5 when unknown assailants opened fire on his vehicle as he was en route to a madrassa. Two police guards accompanying him sustained injuries during the attack.
The suspects were detained from various locations within the Mardan area, with interrogations ongoing from multiple investigative perspectives. Meanwhile, authorities are conducting geo-fencing of mobile phone data from Charsadda, Nowshera, and neighboring regions to trace movements connected to the incident.
Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and a video capturing the suspected attacker fleeing the scene. The assailant was observed riding a motorcycle through different parts of Peshawar, including Chamkani and Kohat Road, before entering Charsadda via a service road. Preliminary findings indicate the suspect arrived in Charsadda around 5:30 am on the day of the shooting.
In a significant development, the probe is being supported by the Safe City project team alongside other specialized units. Police have stepped up efforts to authenticate digital and surveillance evidence as part of their inquiry into what officials describe as a premeditated targeted killing.
Maulana Idrees was a respected religious leader in the region and had previously held office as a provincial lawmaker. His assassination sparked protests by seminary students and JUI-F supporters across Charsadda, who demanded prompt arrests and a transparent investigation.
Following the attack, security forces launched extensive search operations in the district and increased security measures at sensitive locations. To date, no organization has claimed responsibility for the killing.
