Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of prominent religious scholar and former JUI lawmaker Maulana Muhammad Idris Tarangzai, describing his loss as a tragedy for the nation.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Afridi said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the scholar’s death in what he termed a cowardly attack. He paid tribute to Maulana Idris, referring to him as a distinguished religious figure and a respected teacher of Hadith.
“May اللہ accept his martyrdom, elevate his ranks, grant him a high place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and give patience to his family,” Afridi stated, offering prayers and condolences to the bereaved family.
Afridi further remarked that Maulana Idris was a shining example of knowledge and piety, adding, “This star of علم و تقویٰ will always be remembered.” He also expressed hope that those responsible for the killing would soon be identified and brought to justice.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda, where unknown assailants opened fire on the vehicle carrying Maulana Idris. He was traveling from his home to a madrassa at the time of the attack.
According to reports, the vehicle also carried two police personnel and a driver. The attackers reportedly fired from behind, resulting in the death of Maulana Idris, while both police officers sustained injuries.
Following the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Mardan. Authorities have launched an investigation and are working to identify and apprehend those involved.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from various segments of society, including political, religious, and public figures, who have called for stronger measures to ensure the safety of religious leaders and curb militant violence.
