The funeral prayer of Maulana Khan Zeb, senior leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) and Secretary for Religious Affairs, was held in his native town of Nawagai, a day after he was shot and killed.A large crowd of mourners, including thousands of locals, political workers, and tribal elders, attended the funeral. Prominent attendees included ANP’s provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain, senior leader Sardar Hussain Babak, MNAs from Bajaur Nisar Baz, Dr. Hameed, and Anwar Zeb Khan.

Maulana Khan Zeb was laid to rest in his hometown, and emotional scenes with tearful attendees marked the funeral. Earlier in the day, the funeral of police constable Sherzada, who was also killed in the same incident, was held with a large public turnout paying respects to the fallen officer.The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a statement condemning the killing, hailing Khan Zeb as “a leading peace campaigner and political leader of the ANP”.

“We demand a swift and impartial inquiry into this tragic incident,” the rights body wrote in a statement on X.“The federal and provincial governments must ensure that normalcy returns to the terror-stricken districts of the province and that people who have suffered for decades can lead their lives peacefully and without fear.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)