Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT Kabul — Muneer Shakir, an anti-radical cleric succumbed to his injuries at a hospital on Saturday following a deadly explosion near a police checkpoint in Peshawar, Pakistani officials confirmed.
The blast, which took place near the Ormur police checkpoint, left Shakir and three others—identified as Khushal, Abid, and Syed Nabi—severely wounded. Shakir sustained critical injuries to his left leg and was transported to Lady Reading Hospital, where he later died, hospital officials said.
Muhammad Asim, a spokesperson for the hospital, stated in a video briefing that Shakir arrived in critical condition but could not be saved. His body has since been handed over to his family. Shakir’s son also confirmed the death of his father.
Ehtisham Ali, Special Assistant to the Health Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed regret over the attack, vowing that all necessary measures would be taken for the treatment of the injured. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the explosion and called for a comprehensive investigation, instructing law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible.
Shakir, who founded Lashkar-e-Islam in 2004, initially led the group in opposition to Pakistan’s military and intelligence policies, which he viewed as discriminatory toward the Pashtun minority. While often labeled a militant, he positioned himself as an advocate for Pashtun rights and sought civil movements to challenge systemic repression. His ideology stood in contrast to radical factions in the region, frequently bringing him into conflict with both rival militant groups and state authorities.
For years, Shakir accused Pakistan’s military and intelligence services of marginalizing Pashtuns, a stance that made him a divisive yet influential figure in the region. His movement, however, lost influence over time as Pakistani security forces intensified operations against armed factions in the tribal areas.
As authorities investigate the attack, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion. The incident underscores the persistent volatility in Pakistan’s northwest, where targeted killings and insurgent violence remain a pressing concern.
