Politician held in ex-mayor’s killing in Pakistan; party calls it political revenge

Police in northwest Pakistan have arrested a senior leader of the ruling coalition’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in connection with the targeted killing of a former local official, authorities said Thursday.

Malik Amjad Afridi was taken into custody in Islamabad early Thursday morning over his alleged role in the killing of Malik Asad, a former district mayor of Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Four other suspects have also been detained.

Asad was fatally shot on April 15 when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle on Rawalpindi Road in Kohat. An initial police report was filed at the Gumbat police station against unknown attackers.

Kohat District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Zahid Ullah told local media that the arrests followed a breakthrough during interrogation of another suspect, Aamir, who named Afridi and others as accomplices.

“Afridi and Aamir were arrested in Islamabad around 2:30 a.m.,” Zahid said. “Amjad Afridi and his nephew Hussain Afridi allegedly provided shelter to the attackers and helped them escape after the shooting.”

Other suspects identified by police include Hussain, Hashim alias Sheno, Gul Zaib, Nemat, and Yasir.

According to the DPO, the murder plan was allegedly made at Afridi’s home. The motive behind the killing remains unclear.

A hired gunman reportedly confessed to the killing and provided the names of those involved, police said. Afridi has been placed on a five-day police remand. The remaining suspects were remanded for seven days for further investigation.

High-profile victim

The victim, Malik Asad, was not only a former mayor but also the brother of Malik Saad, a former Peshawar police chief, and cousin of Malik Naveed, a former provincial police chief. His death drew public attention due to his family’s prominent background in law enforcement.

Fazal Haleem, Asad’s personal guard and the main complainant in the case, said the family had no known dispute with Afridi or others.

“It is now up to the police and court to determine the motive behind this murder,” he told Nukta.

PPP cries foul

The Pakistan People’s Party has rejected the arrest, calling it politically motivated.

“This is a blatant example of political revenge,” said PPP Central Secretary General Muhammad Humayun Khan. “The arrest, just a day before Eid al-Adha, is unjustified and highly condemnable.”

Khan demanded Afridi’s immediate release and said the party stands by him.

“Our opponents are panicking due to PPP’s growing popularity, and that is why Afridi is being targeted,” he added.

Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests are possible.