Senior JUI-F Leader Maulana Idris Killed in Targeted Attack in Charsadda

Charsadda: Senior religious scholar and political figure Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Idris was shot dead in a targeted attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda district on Tuesday, police confirmed.
According to local authorities, the attack took place in the Utmanzai area when Maulana Idris, a senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F), was on his way from home to a madrassa. Gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on his vehicle, killing him on the spot and injuring two police personnel assigned to his security.
He was shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. The injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment.
Police officials said the attackers managed to flee the scene, and a search operation has been launched across the area. Evidence has been collected from the site, and investigations are underway from multiple angles. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities revealed that Maulana Idris had been receiving threats in recent months due to his outspoken stance against militant elements.
His funeral prayers are scheduled to be held in his native area later in the evening, while JUI-F has announced protests across the district. Supporters and students have already staged demonstrations in various parts of Charsadda, demanding justice.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed has taken notice of the incident and directed the Regional Police Officer to submit a detailed report. He also ordered immediate action to arrest those responsible, describing Maulana Idris’s religious and national services as “unforgettable.”
Profile and Background
Born in 1961 in the Taranzai area of Charsadda, Maulana Idris was the son of noted religious figure Hakim Maulana Abdul Haq. He received his early education at Jamia Naumania and later pursued advanced religious studies at Darul Uloom Haqqania.
He also obtained a master’s degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic from University of Peshawar. After completing his education, he dedicated his life to teaching and remained associated with his alma mater, Jamia Naumania, until his death.
Maulana Idris was also the son-in-law of Maulana Sheikh Hassan Jan, who was assassinated in 2007 in Peshawar.
Political Career
Alongside his religious work, Maulana Idris was actively involved in politics and remained affiliated with JUI-F throughout his career. He served as a member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and also held the position of Deputy Speaker.
He was regarded as a key figure within the party, having previously served as district emir of JUI-F Charsadda and later as its patron-in-chief.
Maulana Idris was also engaged in peace efforts and had traveled to Afghanistan in 2024 with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to meet Afghan Taliban leaders, discussing cross-border security concerns related to militant groups.
The killing is being seen as part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks on religious and political figures in the region, highlighting ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.