Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), narrowly avoided harm in a brazen attack on his convoy during his election campaign in Dera Ismail Khan on Sunday.
While official accounts differ slightly, the key points are:
- Gunfire Erupts: Assailants opened fire on the convoy from two sides at the Yarik Interchange.
- Fazl Safe: Despite the attack, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and all individuals travelling with him emerged unharmed.
- Campaign Route: Fazl was on his way to his ancestral home in Abdul Khel when the incident occurred.
- JUI-F Outrage: Aslam Ghori, the JUI-F spokesperson, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act." He criticized authorities for inadequate security measures despite prior warnings about threats to the party leadership.
- Law and Order Concerns: Ghori highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, expressing concerns about political leaders' safety in the lead-up to the February 8 general elections.
- Official Statements: The Regional Police Officer clarified that Fazl was not the target of the gunfire, which was directed towards the Toll Plaza. The Ministry of Interior, however, assured full security for political activities during the campaign and vowed to maintain law and order.
This incident raises concerns about the volatile security situation in Pakistan, particularly as the country gears up for elections. The conflicting reports from officials add to the uncertainty. It remains to be seen whether a transparent investigation will take place and whether effective measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of all political figures and citizens during the election campaign.
