Independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan gunned down in Bajaur

Pakistan

Updated On: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:26:51 PKT

BAJAUR (Web Desk) – An independent candidate for NA-8 and PK-22 fell victim to a fatal shooting in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday.

Rasheed Khan, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Khar police station, disclosed that independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan was busy electioneering in the locality when assailants opened fire on his vehicle.

Despite swift efforts to rush Rehan to the District Headquarters Hospital, he succumbed to the injuries. Additionally, four other individuals suffered injuries during the incident, as confirmed by the SHO.

Bajaur District Police Officer Kashif Zulfiqar expressed suspicion that the incident was a "targeted killing" and revealed ongoing efforts by law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough search operation in the vicinity.

On the other hand, the PTI denounced the assassination, claiming Rehan as its candidate for a National Assembly seat. However, the PTI, according to its website, issued ticket to Gul Zafar Khan and Guldad Khan for national and provincial assembly seats, respectively.

The PTI blamed the caretaker government for failing to ensure security, referencing previous incidents of violence, including an attack on the party's election rally in Sibi.

Demanding an immediate investigation, the party called for stringent measures against the perpetrators and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to intervene.