Mufti Munir Shakir, Founder of Lashkar-e-Islam, Killed in Peshawar Mosque Bombing
Mufti Munir Shakir, the founder of the outlawed militant group Lashkar-e-Islam, was killed in a bombing outside a mosque in the Urmar area of Peshawar on Saturday. The attack, which also injured three others, has sent shockwaves through the region.
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The Attack
According to reports, Mufti Munir Shakir was entering the mosque in the Kachori neighborhood to offer Asr prayers when a bomb exploded at the entrance. The explosion, which targeted the controversial religious scholar, caused partial damage to the mosque’s entrance and injured three individuals identified as Khushal, Abid, and Said Nabi.
The injured, including Mufti Shakir, were rushed to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), where he later succumbed to his injuries. LRH spokesperson Mohammad Asim confirmed his death in a video message and stated that his body had been handed over to his family.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Police and bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion to collect evidence. According to their preliminary findings, approximately 600 grams of explosives were planted at the mosque’s entrance. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify potential suspects involved in the attack.
The targeted nature of the attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, as Mufti Shakir was known to have enemies due to his controversial past.
Who Was Mufti Munir Shakir?
Mufti Munir Shakir, 56, was a firebrand religious scholar known for his hardline speeches, which gained significant traction on social media. He was the founder of Lashkar-e-Islam, a militant group that emerged over two decades ago in the Khyber district of Pakistan.
Shakir’s rise to prominence was marked by his intense rivalry with another religious leader, Peer Saifur Rehman. The clashes between their followers led to significant unrest in Khyber, prompting a tribal Jirga to intervene and order both men to leave the region to restore peace.
After being expelled from Khyber, Mufti Shakir resurfaced in the remote Urmar village of Peshawar in recent years, where he continued his religious and political activities. Due to the threats he faced, he was often accompanied by personal guards.
Lashkar-e-Islam and Its Role
Lashkar-e-Islam was founded by Mufti Munir Shakir as an extremist group with a stronghold in the Khyber district. The group enforced strict interpretations of Islamic law and was involved in several violent activities before being banned by the Pakistani government. Over the years, the group engaged in armed conflicts with security forces and rival factions, further cementing its status as a threat to regional stability.
Despite the ban, elements of Lashkar-e-Islam continued to operate in different parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The killing of Mufti Shakir may have implications for the group’s remaining operatives and their future activities.
Possible Motives Behind the Attack
The motives behind the bombing remain unclear, but authorities are exploring several possible angles:
- Rivalry with Other Religious Groups – Mufti Shakir had long-standing conflicts with other religious figures, most notably Peer Saifur Rehman. While this rivalry had calmed in recent years, the possibility of lingering hostilities cannot be ruled out.
- Internal Feud within Lashkar-e-Islam – There have been reports of internal power struggles within Lashkar-e-Islam, and the attack could have been the result of infighting within the group.
- Security Forces or Intelligence Operation – Given Mufti Shakir’s militant background and the government’s crackdown on extremist elements, some speculate that this could be part of a broader effort to eliminate high-profile militants.
- Targeted Terror Attack – The bombing could also be linked to terrorist groups seeking to settle scores or eliminate influential figures who could pose a threat to their own agendas.
Reactions and Regional Impact
Mufti Shakir’s killing has sparked mixed reactions. While his supporters mourn his death, others see it as a significant blow to extremist networks operating in the region. Security experts believe his assassination could trigger retaliatory attacks, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as evidence is analyzed.
Conclusion
The assassination of Mufti Munir Shakir marks a significant development in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against militancy and extremist ideologies. While the exact reasons behind his killing remain unknown, the attack underscores the volatile security situation in the region. As investigations proceed, the focus will be on uncovering the perpetrators and assessing the long-term impact of his death on militant activities in Pakistan.
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