JUI-F to hold nationwide protests on Wednesday, Friday over killing of cleric Maulana Idrees

ISLAMABAD: JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that the party will hold protests all over the country on Wednesday and Friday against the “martyrdom” of prominent cleric Maulana Idrees.

The renowned cleric and former Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) MPA was killed on Tuesday after unidentified assailants opened fire on him, police said.

“Full and peaceful protests will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) and on Friday against the martyrdom of Sheikh Idrees”, said JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghouri in a statement.

He said the provincial and district organisations would arrange protest demonstrations at all four provincial headquarters and across districts.

Terming the death of Maulana Idrees an irreparable loss, Ghouri said they were exhausted by carrying the bodies of senior scholars.

“How long will the state continue to test us?” Ghouri asked, alleging that the federal and provincial governments have failed to maintain law and order.

He asked public to participate in the protests and register their protest against lawlessness.

“The government has failed. The public will have to step forward to protect themselves,” the JUI spokesperson concluded.

PM Shehbaz sends condolences to JUI chief

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday contacted the JUI chief and conveyed his condolences on the martyrdom of Maulana Idrees, the spokesperson said.

The prime minister prayed for the cleric and assured the early arrest of the killers, he said.

State-run APP reported earlier that the premier expressed deep grief over the cleric’s killing in a statement and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

Praying for the elevation of the deceased’s rank and for patience for his family, the premier wished the injured policemen a speedy recovery.

Idrees hailed from Charsadda’s Tarangzai area. He was also the JUI-F district emir and was considered one of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s trusted advisers.

According to Police Personal Relations Officer Safiullah, Idrees had left for Darul Uloom Noumania from his home in Tarangzai. He said that shortly before he arrived at his destination, armed assailants fired at the vehicle in the Tariqabad Utmanzai area.

The cleric’s body was subsequently shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the incident, seeking a report from the Mardan regional police officer. He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and expressed his resolve to arrest those responsible soon.