NEW DELHI: Allama Masoodur Rehman Usmani, a prominent anti-India cleric, was assassinated in Islamabad, Pakistan. The attack occurred in broad daylight on the outskirts of the capital, in the Ghauri Town neighborhood, on Friday.
According to Islamabad police, Usmani was targeted by two unidentified gunmen who fatally shot him and injured his driver before fleeing the scene.The sudden and violent nature of the attack has stirred concerns, as such incidents are rare in this part of Pakistan.
Pakistani media outlet The Nation reported that police spokesman Taqi Jawad confirmed the details of the incident. He said, “The deceased has been identified as Maulana Masood Ur Rehman Usmani.” Following the attack, the authorities moved Usmani’s body and the injured driver to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for necessary actions.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for this assassination. The killing of Usmani is a significant event, considering his controversial stance against India and his role in the religious-political landscape of Pakistan.
The police are actively investigating the assassination and are utilising closed-circuit TV footage to identify and track down the assailants.
Usmani was known for his position as the deputy secretary of the Sunni Ulema Council, an organization that formed after the Sipah-e-Sahaba extremist group was banned in Pakistan. The Sipah-e-Sahaba has a history of violence, particularly against the Shiite community, being responsible for thousands of deaths over the years.
(With input from agencies)