PESHAWAR: An assistant director of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the authority’s office in Peshawar on Friday morning, police said.
The official was identified as Fahad Khan, a nephew of MNA Noor Alam Khan, and a relative of former KP deputy speaker Mehmood Jan.
According to a city police spokesperson, he was attacked close to the Nadra office in Hayatabad police precincts.
Police reached the scene after being informed ofthe incident and recovered eight spent.30-bore pistol casings, the spolcesperson said.
The victim’s body was shifted to a hospital for a post-mortem examination, he added.
The police spokesperson added that an investigation was under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify the perpetrators.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi termed the incident ‘absolutely condemnable and unacceptable’.
He said he had directed the Peshawar capital city police officer to ‘ensure a swift and comprehensive investigation, with no room for delay, negligence or leniency’. ‘Every individual involved must face the full force of the law,’ he said.
Later in the day, Mr Kundi told reporters that he had spoken with the Peshawar police chief and that the suspect would be identified using surveillance cameras and arrested soon. ‘There were land disputes ongoing; we are looking into whether that was behind the incident, or if it was some other issue, he said.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed ‘deep sorrow and regret’ over the official’s demise. He also extended condolences and sympathy to the victim’s family.
‘The (suspects) involved in the incident should be arrested as soon as possible and brought to justice,’ the NA speaker said on X.-Umer Farooq