Shutdown in Bajaur to protest killing of ex-senator in bombing

KHAR: A shutdown was observed in the Nawagai town of Bajaur tribal district on Thursday to condemn the killing of former senator Hidayatullah Khan and his four companions in a remote-controlled roadside blast a day before.

The trade centres were closed in Nawagai, the native town of the slain senator, on the call of the business community leaders and the Awami National Party.A protest was staged as well to register anger at the recent bombing and the rising lawlessness in Bajaur.

The speakers said they had been staging protests and sit-ins to bring the worsening law and order situation in the district to the notice of the government but to no avail.

They alleged that efforts were being made to pave the way for launching a new war in the tribal areas.The speakers said the tribal people and their elders were being targetted to achieve the purpose.

They condemned all such attempts and resolved to put up resistance to such actions.Earlier, the funeral prayers for Hidayatullah Khan and four other persons who lost their lives in the terror act were offered in their native areas. The victims were laid to rest in their respective graveyards.

The sources from the family of the slain senator said that Hidayatullah Khan had been provided 10 guards by the government but the security was withdrawn a few days back.

Hidayatulllah Khan, who served as an independent senator twice from 2012 to 2024 had complained of threats multiple times in the past.Speaking in the Senate for the last time, this year, he had said that he was facing threats even in a peaceful city like Islamabad. He had decried the threatening phone calls and said that he had got registered 22 first information reports.

Meanwhile, the police registered a case of the killing of the former senator and his four companions at the Counter-Terrorism Department Police Station. Terrorism sections were added to the case.

Regional Police Officer of Malakand, Muhammad Ali, visited Bajaur. He met the members of the bereaved families and offered them condolences over the loss of their dear ones. The official assured that the police had an investigation into the bombing incident to bring the culprits to book.