Peshawar: A close aide of Hafiz Saeed, identified as Sheikh Yousaf Afridi, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s northwestern region, officials said.

According to local sources, Afridi was targeted in a suspected assassination when armed assailants opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area that has seen a rise in targeted killings and militant activity in recent months.

Afridi was believed to be associated with the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and was considered a close associate of its leadership. While authorities have confirmed the killing, no group has claimed responsibility so far.

Security agencies have launched an investigation into the attack, exploring possible angles including internal rivalries among militant factions or retaliatory violence by rival groups. The lack of immediate clarity over the motive has added to concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region.

The killing underscores the volatile environment in Pakistan’s northwest, where militant groups, splinter factions, and security forces remain locked in ongoing conflict, often resulting in sudden and high-profile attacks.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from Deccan Herald.