LAKKI MARWAT: A local body member affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) narrowly escaped a life attempt attack in Paharkhel Pacca village of Lakki Marwat district on Saturday night.

A police official confirmed the attack and said that Haji Gul Zarin a village council chairman remained unhurt in the attack. He said that the JUI-F leader was on the way to his village when armed men opened firing on his jeep. The assailants, whose number could not be ascertained, managed to flee.

JUI-F district general secretary told this scribe that several bullets hit the vehicle but luckily Gul Zarin remained safe. He condemned the attack and demanded provision of security to local government representatives, political leaders and election candidates.

He asked the government to focus on law and order situation and take practical steps to maintain peace in the region.

Also on Saturday, JUI-F kicked off election campaign by organising a corner meeting in Paharkhel Thall area near Lakki city.

JUI-F candidates for National Assembly constituency Maulana Asjad Mehmood, son of JUI-F central chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and provincial assembly aspirant and former MPA Munawar Khan addressed the gathering of workers and villagers.

Office-bearers of JUI-F also attended the meeting.

On the occasion, the JUI-F leaders said that the party would repeat its history and would sweep the coming elections on one national and three provincial assembly seats in the district.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2024