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       LOWER DIR: Former Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq on Monday flayed the federal and provincial governments for what he said failing to curb terrorism and targeted killing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

       Addressing a condolence gathering in Munda after the killing of retired army soldier Haji Abdul Zaiq, 72, who was gunned down by unknown attackers on Friday night, Mr Haq declared that the government had lost the public’s trust and should resign if it could not ensure citizens’ protection.

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       He blamed growing differences between Islamabad and Peshawar for the worsening law and order situation in the province, saying the province had been turned into ‘a living hell’ for its people.

       “If the government cannot protect the citizens, it has no right to rule over them,” he asserted, adding that if immediate steps were not taken to restore peace, the people would rise and hold the rulers accountable.

       Mr Haq urged security agencies to trace and eliminate terrorists, warning that the people would no longer tolerate continued violence and insecurity.

       Meanwhile, district development advisory committee chairman Ubaidur Rehman also visited the residence of martyred army soldier and met with his family members and children.

       He offered prayers for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family.

       Mr Rehman also pledged to participate in public protests against the incident and to raise the voice for the martyr’s family at every platform.

       Also on Monday, volunteers of Islami Qaumi Ittehad Aqwam Jandol, a local organisation, condemned the targeted killing of the army trooper, and expressed concern about the deteriorating law and order situation in Jandol area.

       Addressing the participants of a protest demonstration in Mayar, they said several prominent figures had been targeted in the recent months, but police had failed to identify or arrest the culprits.

       Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2025