By Fazal Amin Shinwari
PESHAWAR: Syed Akbar, a former key commander of the Ansar-ul-Islam organization from the Maidan area of Tirah Valley in Khyber district, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Peshawar, according to local sources.
The incident took place on Choli Asab Baba Road in Peshawar, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on Syed Akbar, killing him at the scene.
According to sources, Syed Akbar was considered a close follower of Pir Saif-ur-Rehman. He was reportedly affiliated with the Malik Din Khel tribe of Khyber district.
Police collected evidence from the crime scene and launched an investigation. However, the motive behind the killing and the identities of the attackers remain unknown.
Ansar-ul-Islam and Lashkar-e-Islam have historically been bitter rivals in Khyber district and have engaged in several violent clashes. Dozens of people from both sides were reportedly killed in their past confrontations.
The Pakistani government has banned both organizations and declared them outlawed.
Further details regarding the circumstances and motive of Syed Akbar’s killing were not immediately available.
