Maulana Mishkat, a prominent religious scholar and community figure in Bannu, was martyred after being targeted by militants linked to Fitna Al-Khawarij, days after he publicly challenged anti-state rhetoric during a gathering organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
According to details, the incident stems from a public gathering where a PTM leader was delivering a speech containing remarks against the State of Pakistan and its institutions. Maulana Mishkat intervened during the speech and reportedly snatched the microphone from the speaker, refusing to allow anti-state rhetoric to continue.
Sources familiar with the matter say the cleric subsequently became a target and was later assassinated by militants belonging to Fitna Al-Khawarij.
The killing has once again reinforced concerns regarding the relationship between PTM and Fitna Al-Khawarij. Security observers and local residents have long argued that the two operate in support of similar objectives, with one functioning as an armed network and the other providing political cover for narratives hostile to the Pakistani state.
Maulana Mishkat was widely respected in the region for his efforts to promote peace, education and development. He consistently spoke against violence and extremism and remained vocal in support of stability and progress in the area.
Residents and community members have described his killing as an attack on voices advocating peace and national unity. They maintain that individuals who openly oppose anti-state activities and extremist agendas continue to face threats from militant elements operating in the region.
The assassination follows a pattern witnessed in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where pro-peace tribal elders, religious scholars and community leaders have been targeted after speaking out against militant groups and their supporters.
Maulana Mishkat’s martyrdom has sparked anger among local residents, who have demanded that all networks facilitating extremist violence, whether through direct action or ideological support, be exposed and brought to justice.
