In a shocking act of violence that has left the community reeling, a prominent religious and political figure was brutally assassinated in broad daylight. But here's where it gets even more chilling: the victim, Hafiz Abdul Salam Arif, was not just a local leader but a respected figure in both religious and political spheres, serving as a provincial council member of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party. This brazen attack, carried out by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle, occurred on Tuesday in Tangi tehsil, Charsadda, as Arif was returning home after afternoon prayers at a nearby mosque.
Investigating officer Safdar Khan revealed that the JUI-F leader was ambushed on Mandani-Takht Bhai Road. The attack was swift and deadly, resulting in Arif’s immediate demise, while his son, Mohammad Hassan Jan, miraculously escaped unharmed. And this is the part most people miss: Arif wasn’t just a political figure; he was also the head of a seminary in Tangi and a prayer leader at a local mosque, making his assassination a deeply personal loss for the community he served.
Police are probing the incident from every possible angle, collecting evidence from the crime scene and enlisting the help of forensic experts. But here’s the controversial question: Was this a politically motivated hit, a religious vendetta, or something else entirely? The fact that Arif’s son filed a case with the Mandani police station, detailing his father’s instant death and his own narrow escape, adds another layer of complexity to this tragic event.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: this assassination has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns about security and stability. What do you think? Is this an isolated incident, or a symptom of deeper societal issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s engage in a meaningful discussion about the implications of such acts. Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2025.
