BAJAUR: The Awami National Party on Thursday demanded a `transparent`investigationintothe murder of its senior leader and religious scholar, Maulana Khan Zeb.

It also called for the early arrest of the killers for punishment.

The demand was made during a party meeting at Maulana Zeb`s residence in Nawagai, according to a statement from ANP district information secretary Obid Salarzai.

The participants included seniorparty leaders and workers, with district president Gul Afzal Khan being in the chair.

The participants included Maulana Khan Zeb`s elder brother Sheikh Jan Zada, a member of the ANP`s provincial council, expressed concern over a delay in the investigation into Maulana Zeb`s murder on July 10 and early arrest of culprits.

The meeting noted that nearly a month after the attack on Maulana Zeb`s vehicle on the BajaurPeshawar Road near Khar town, which claimed his police guard`slives and injured three others, no progress had been made in the investigation.

`We were assured by authorities that an investigation has been launched and would be completed soon, but unfortunately, no progress has been made on the ground,` Gul Afzal said.

The participants demanded a `transparent` probe into the murder and early arrest of culprits.

They also reviewed the progress in the ongoing negotiations between Bajaur Aman Jirga and terrorist leaders for conflict resolution andexpressed satisfaction with it.

The meeting was informed that scores of local party activists would participate in the party`s Aman Long March to be held in Islamabad on August 23.

The participants paid tribute to Maulana Zeb for his services to peace, the party and youth development, calling him a brave and committed champion of peace and people`s rights.

They pledged to continue the deceased`s mission of promoting peace and raising awareness about people`s rights.