CHARSADDA: Prominent Pakistani religious scholar and political figure Muhammad Idrees, widely known as Shaikh Idrees, was shot dead in a tragic attack in Charsadda District, according to local media reports. The incident has raised serious concerns about security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and sparked widespread condemnation.
Born in 1961 in Turangzai village, Molana Idrees belonged to a respected religious family. His father, Hakeem Maulana Abdul Haq, was a well-known Islamic scholar, while his grandfather Mufti Shahzada was associated with Darul Uloom Deoband. Idrees was also the son-in-law of renowned scholar Molana Hassan Jan, further strengthening his religious legacy.
Molana Muhammad Idrees received his early education at Jamia Nomania in Utmanzai and later completed his higher religious studies at Darul Uloom Haqqania. In addition to religious education, he earned M.A. degrees in Arabic and Islamiyat from University of Peshawar, making him a well-rounded scholar with both traditional and modern academic credentials.
After completing his studies, he dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring students. He served as Shaikh-ul-Hadees at Jamia Nomania, where he played a key role in shaping religious education in the region. His contributions to Islamic scholarship and education made him a respected figure among students and scholars alike.
Apart from his religious work, Molana Idrees was actively involved in politics. He served as a leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) in Charsadda and held positions including district amir and senior patron. He also served as a member of the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and remained involved in legislative and religious affairs.
According to reports, unidentified attackers opened fire on his vehicle in Utmanzai, critically injuring him and two police constables. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The attackers managed to flee the scene, and authorities have launched an investigation into the targeted killing.
The assassination of Molana Muhammad Idrees has intensified concerns about law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Religious leaders and political figures have called for swift action against those responsible, emphasizing the need for improved security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
