Alleged killer of ex-peace body member arrested

MINGORA: Police have arrested a man allegedly involved in the murder of former village defence committee (VDC) member Miftahuddin, officials said on Thursday. They added that a 9mm pistol used in the killing was also recovered from the suspect’s possession.

On November 4, 2025, an unidentified assailant opened fire on former VDC member Miftahuddin near Shaheed Baba Government Primary School in the jurisdiction of Kanjoo Police Station, killing him on the spot. The incident created panic and fear among the local residents.

Upon receiving information, the officials of the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) reached the crime scene, collected forensic evidence and registered a case against the unidentified accused at CTD Police Station Kabal.

Investigation teams used CCTV footage, technical data and intelligence sources to trace and arrest several suspects for interrogation.During interrogation, the officials said, one of the detainees, identified as Muhammad Badshah, a resident of Thailiabad, Kanjoo, confessed to the killing. The accused, they said, revealed that a financial dispute had been ongoing between him and the victim. About a year and a half ago, they said, the deceased had purchased poultry worth Rs186,000 from a local dealer, Anwar Khan, and the accused had taken responsibility for paying the amount. Despite repeated requests, the victim allegedly failed to return the money, leading to a heated conflict between the two.

On the day of the incident, the suspect met the victim at a shop in Kanjoo Bazaar. As they were walking toward the victim’s home, the suspect shot him near Shaheed Baba Primary School, killing him instantly. Police later recovered the murder weapon- a 9mm pistol - on the suspect’s indication.