A prominent religious scholar was martyred in a blast in Wana’s Sadar Bazaar in South Waziristan on Monday, marking the second targeted killing of a religious figure in the district within days and raising fresh concerns over the resurgence of terrorist violence in the region.
According to security sources, the explosion occurred inside Wana’s Super Market, where well-known local religious scholar Mufti Janameer was deliberately targeted. He embraced martyrdom at the scene, while authorities have yet to confirm whether anyone else was injured in the attack.
Soon after the blast, police, security personnel and rescue teams rushed to the site, cordoned off the area and launched a search for evidence. Investigators collected forensic material from the scene, while security around the market was tightened to prevent any further incident.
Police officials said an investigation has been initiated from all possible angles to identify the perpetrators, facilitators and masterminds behind the attack. Security agencies are also reviewing available evidence and intelligence to determine the modus operandi and trace those responsible.
Mufti Janameer was widely respected in South Waziristan for his efforts to promote peace, social harmony and stability. He had been actively working for the restoration of law and order in the district and was a regular member and prominent speaker of the National Peace Jirga, where he consistently advocated unity, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.
His assassination comes just two days after another prominent religious figure, Maulana Ismail, affiliated with JUI-F, was martyred in a targeted killing incident in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan. The back-to-back attacks on influential religious personalities have intensified concerns over an apparent campaign aimed at silencing voices supporting peace and stability.
Security officials have vowed that those behind the attacks will be tracked down and brought to justice, while efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region continue through intelligence-based operations and enhanced security measures.
