RAWALPINDI - The areas of Police Station Pirwadhai have apparently become safe haven for the target killers as an Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader was gunned down on Tuesday in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, the same locality where earlier another AWWJ leader Farooq Muavia had been shot injured two days ago.
The deceased was identified as Maulana Izharul Haq Farooqi, 28, vice president of Sunni Chowk (Banni) Unit. ASWJ leader Muhammad Abu Bakkar was also targeted and killed by unknown killers in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed on March 12, 2014.
Maulana Farooqi was attacked when he was on his way back home on motorcycle after enquiring about the health of Farooq Muavia, who is admitted to Holy Family Hospital after sustaining bullet injuries in an attack two days ago. As a result, Maulana Farooqi died on the spot while the assailants managed to escape from the scene.
The body was shifted to Holy Family Hospital by rescuers. A heavy contingent of police rushed to the crime scene and cordoned off the area. Mufti Tanvir Alam, a local leader of ASWJ, told The Nation the killing of Maulana Farooqi was the continuity of target killing spat that has begun in Rawalpindi since long.
On the other hand, Punjab Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Sukhera took notice of the killing and sought report from the RPO.  
Soon after the killing, scores of ASWJ workers took to streets and protested against the incident. They marched towards IJ Principal Road and blocked the road for vehicular movement. They also chanted slogans against police and demanded earlier arrest of the killers.