SWAT – A prominent member of Swat Qaumi Jirga got critically injured when some unidentified persons opened fire on him after Isha prayer near Mingora General Bus Stand on Saturday.
According to details, Al-Haj Zahid Khan, who was an active member of the Swat Qaumi Jirga and also president of the Swat Hotels Association, was coming back home near Mingora General Bus Stand after offering Taraweh prayer in the nearby mosque when unknown persons opened fire on him. Resultantly, he got wounded critically. He is reported to have received bullets in head. The locals rushed him to the Saidu Teaching Hospital in a critical condition where he is receiving medical aid.
A large number of people including members of civil society, political parties and of the Swat Qaumi Jirga arrived at the hospital. “There was a scuffle between one of the assaulters and Al-Haj Zahid Khan,” an eyewitness informed. “The killer missed the target most probably due to the scuffle,” he further added. The police took into custody a mobile set, a cap and a pair of slippers found at the spot left by one of the attackers. On the other hand, the event raised doubts in the minds of the people as to how the attackers could so confidently attack a prominent person at such a busy place like the General Bus Stand where a dozen of police personnel patrol in a body round the clock.
It is relevant to note that Al-Haj Zahid Khan is member of the Public Safety Committee and was among the first few brave people who raised their voice against the militants during the Taliban era in Swat. He also condemned the Taliban from the platform of the Swat Qaumi Jirga. He was considered to be the hero of Swat who raised his voice against the enforcement of curfew in Swat and termed it as an inhuman act.
After the incident we contacted the spokesperson of Swat Quami Jirga Zia ud din Yousafzai said that this is a very poor and brutal act we strongly condemn this brutally incident which is happened with our active fellow and would protest till that time until the culprits not get arrested he added. Yousafzai more said that the Security forces and Law enforcement agency claims of peace restoration in the area so in this regard where the terrorists attack on our committee member in the main city so this brutal activity raises many Questions on the statement of Security forces and Law enforcement agency. The Spokesperson said that we are not amongst those who feel fear from such types of activities, we have brave heart and the people of swat knows well the about the Taliban’s aim.
He requested from the Chief Minister Ameer Haider khan Hoti that provide security to each member of Swat Qaumi Jirga, because this is the second time that we are being targeted by unidentified persons.