In yet another targeted killing in Pakistan, Qari Shahzada, a close relative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and a key fundraiser for the terror outfit, was gunned down by unidentified gunmen in Karachi’s Khairabad area on the morning of March 24. Shahzada, who also served as the vice president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), was attacked while on his way to offer morning prayers at a local mosque.
According to regional media reports, his killing is part of a pattern, as at least five JUI-F leaders have been assassinated in similar attacks over the past month.
Shahzada’s assassination is not an isolated incident. Several other terrorists have been eliminated in similar fashion in recent months, sparking speculation about a possible vigilante group operating against them. Notably, no terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the killings, further deepening the mystery.
In another recent case, Adnan Ahmed, another Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, was also shot dead by unknown gunmen in Karachi, adding to the growing list of targeted assassinations of individuals linked to terrorist groups.
The increasing frequency of these assassinations has put the Pakistani government in a difficult position, as it now faces mounting pressure to protect active terrorists operating within its borders. With the country already grappling with economic hardships, ensuring security for such individuals has become an added burden.
Meanwhile, claims have surfaced that the Islamic State of Khorasan (IS-K) has taken responsibility for most of the recent attacks against JUI-F leaders. However, sources indicate that these killings may not be solely terror-related. Speculations are rife that the Pakistan Army could be involved in eliminating figures critical of its administration. Some reports even suggest that the army is deliberately targeting individuals linked to militant groups as part of an internal power struggle.
The Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies have come under severe criticism for their inability to prevent these assassinations, with many questioning whether these incidents are covert operations by state agencies or acts of revenge by rival militant factions.
The assassination of Qari Shahzada has also triggered political reactions, with opposition leaders raising concerns over the state’s handling of security threats. Many have pointed out that this targeted killing serves as a grim reminder of the violence and intimidation faced by critics of the Pakistan Army and its administration.
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