ISLAMABAD: A prominent local leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and his father were gunned down in a targeted attack in the Gadoon Amazai area of Swabi district on Friday, just an hour before Iftar, heightening concerns over persistent political violence and old enmities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The victims, Farman Zeb and his father Jamshed Khan, were travelling home when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire at close range, killing both on the spot.
Police officials from Utla police station confirmed the incident occurred in the mountainous belt of Gadoon Amazai, a region known for its rugged terrain and industrial significance.
Farman Zeb, a resident of Utla village, had recently gained prominence for mobilising crowds during a gathering on the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, reflecting his active role in PTI’s grassroots activities.
He was widely regarded as a close aide to former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and MPA Rangaiz Khan, both influential PTI figures in the Swabi region.
The attack unfolded amid the holy month of Ramazan, adding a layer of tragedy as families prepared for Iftar across the province.
Authorities recovered evidence from the crime scene, including spent bullet casings, and shifted the bodies to Topi Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for postmortem examination.
Investigators suspect the killings stem from a long-standing personal or tribal enmity, a common trigger for such incidents in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
No first information report (FIR) had been registered at the time of the initial police statement, though efforts to identify and apprehend the assailants were underway.
Swabi district, located in the eastern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has witnessed recurring episodes of targeted violence linked to political rivalries and local disputes.
The Gadoon Amazai area, home to an industrial estate that employs thousands, often sees tensions over land, resources, and political influence.
Farman Zeb’s recent activism aligned with PTI’s efforts to sustain public support amid ongoing political challenges faced by the party.
Asad Qaiser, a key PTI leader from Swabi, has frequently highlighted development projects in Gadoon Amazai, including infrastructure improvements during PTI’s governance period.
Such incidents underscore broader security issues in the province, where political workers from various parties have faced threats and attacks in recent years.
Police have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further escalation and to gather intelligence on the perpetrators.
Community leaders in Utla and surrounding villages expressed shock over the killings, calling for swift justice to restore calm.
The timing of the attack, close to Iftar, disrupted local observance of Ramazan and left families in mourning during a period meant for reflection and unity.
No group has claimed responsibility, and initial reports rule out militant involvement, pointing instead to personal vendettas.
This case highlights the persistent challenge of enforcing law and order in remote and semi-urban parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Political analysts note that such targeted killings can further polarise communities and affect party mobilisation ahead of future electoral activities.
PTI workers in Swabi have demanded enhanced security for their activists following the incident.
The provincial government faces pressure to address the root causes of such violence, including unresolved disputes and weak policing in hilly terrains.
As investigations progress, the focus remains on collecting forensic evidence and identifying suspects through witness accounts and surveillance if available.
The deaths of Farman Zeb and Jamshed Khan serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by local political figures in Pakistan’s volatile regions.