Bajur: PTI-affiliated independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan shot dead

PTI-affiliated independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan is reported to have been shot dead in the Siddiqabad area of Bajur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday.

An independent candidate for NA-8 and PK-22 fell victim to a fatal shooting when he was busy canvassing in the area when unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle.

Rehan Zeb Khan succumbed to the injuries despite swift efforts to rush him to the District Headquarters Hospital,

According to Khar Police Station House Officer (SHO) Rasheed Khan, four other individuals suffered injuries during the incident.

The PTI condemned the incident labelling it “terrorist attacks” aimed at its candidates and public gatherings, asserting that such actions cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.

The PTI also 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, PTI called for stringent measures against the perpetrators and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to intervene.

 

Meanwhile, Bajaur District Police Officer Kashif Zulfiqar expressed suspicion that the incident was a “targeted killing”.

He pointed out the ongoing efforts by law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough search operation in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the ECP also took notice of the killing of an independent candidate, without naming Rehan Zeb Khan.

ECP stated that it had taken notice of the killing of a candidate from NA-8 Bajaur.

The electoral watchdog sought a report from the KP chief secretary and police chief and directed that those responsible be punished.