Slain JI leader laid to rest in Bajaur

KHAR: The general secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bajaur chapter, Sufi Hameed, who was gunned down by unidentified armed men the other day, was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Inayat Killay in Bajau tribal district.

Thousands of people gathered to attend the funeral prayer of Sufi Hameed, who served as General Secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Bajaur chapter.Prominent political figures and people from various walks of life attended the funeral. JI former head Sirajul Haq, former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, former provincial minister Inayatullah Khan, ex-MNA Syed Akhunzada Chattan, MPA Dr Hameedur Rahman, JI leaders, and party workers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Malakand attended the funeral. Sufi Hameed was laid to rest in his hometown of Inayat Killay amid touching scenes. It may be mentioned that Sufi Hameed was killed by unidentified people on Thursday as he was leaving a mosque after offering Maghrib prayers.

Meanwhile, JI’s former head Sirajul Haq criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the citizens.Speaking at the funeral of Sufi Hameed, he said that a government incapable of protecting its citizens had no right to rule. “Sufi Hameed was a dedicated person. He served humanity. Allah has granted him the noble rank of martyrdom,” he said.

The JI leader also spoke about the recurring violence in the region and said, “We are tired of burying our loved ones. Every day we suffer insecurity, and no one is held accountable for the bloodshed,” he said, asking the government to take steps for the restoration of peace in the province.

Sirajul Haq said that the Pashtun belt was suffering, urging the people to join his party’s planned peace movement starting on November 17 to demand justice for the martyrs.“Our people are exhausted from digging graves, shrouding bodies, and offering condolences,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, JI Malakand Division head and former provincial minister Inayatullah Khan said his party would hold the perpetrators accountable.AFP adds: The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the killing of JI leader.