By The South Asia Times

PESHAWAR – A powerful explosion inside a mosque in Peshawar on Saturday evening killed Mufti Munir Shakir, the founder of the outlawed Lashkar-e-Islam, and injured three others.

Officials believe the blast was a targeted attack on the controversial religious scholar.

According to eyewitnesses and security officials, the explosion occurred when Mufti Munir Shakir entered the mosque to offer Asr (late afternoon) prayer. The bomb, believed to have been planted at the gate of the mosque, detonated just as he stepped inside. The impact of the explosion was severe, instantly killing Mufti Shakir and causing panic among worshippers.

Rescue teams and police rushed to the site, shifting the injured to a nearby hospital. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the device was remotely detonated or triggered by a timer.

Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports suggest that the blast specifically targeted Mufti Munir Shakir, who was a popularreligious scholar in the province.

A senior police official stated, “This appears to be a targeted assassination. The bomb was carefully placed to ensure maximum impact when the Mufti entered the mosque. We are analyzing security footage and collecting forensic evidence to identify those responsible.”

Mufti Munir Shakir’s Controversial Background

Mufti Munir Shakir was a well-known but controversial religious figure, primarily active in the Khyber tribal district.

Mufti Shakir, 56, had established later proscribed Lashkar-e-Islam in Khyber district over two decades ago. He was a staunch rival of Peer Saifur Rehman. Later, Shakir and Peer Saif were forced to leave Khyber district after a Jirga verdict to maintain law and order in the district. Mufti Shakir reappeared in the remote Urmar village of Peshawar a few years back, according to Geo TV.

Reactions and Security Measures

Security in Peshawar has been heightened following the attack, with police increasing patrolling and intelligence efforts to prevent further incidents. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing, but officials suspect the involvement of rival factions.

Son of Mufti Shakir has announced to hold massive protest against his killing and said his father dead body would not be buried until the authorities arrest the killers. 

The killing of Mufti Munir Shakir is fouth attack on religious scholars and mosques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during last one month as earlier terrorist also killed Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani in a suicide bombing in Akora Khattak area of district Nowshera. Later terrorists also attack on prayer leaders in Swat and Waziristan mosques.