Cleric Mufti Munir Shakir, founder of the banned Lashkar-i-Islam, died from injuries in a Mufti Shakir blast in Peshawar on March 15, 2025, police confirmed. The explosion near Urmur Police Station also injured three others, prompting an official probe.
The blast struck on Saturday, wounding Shakir’s left foot. “He succumbed at Lady Reading Hospital,” spokesman Mohammad Asim said. Khushal, Abid, and Syed Nabi were also hurt. Police, bomb disposal, and Counter-Terrorism units are now collecting evidence at the scene.
Mufti Munir Shakir has been martyred in an attack on him in Peshawar because he demanded peace and justice for our people. Terrorism continues to spread unchecked in Pakhtunkhwa. Our region is being turned into the killing grounds of our people yet again. pic.twitter.com/igTrsdritH
— Mohsin Dawar (@mjdawar) March 15, 2025
CM Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the Mufti Shakir blast, ordering a police report and suspect arrests. He urged top medical care for the injured. Health aide Ehtesham Ali expressed sorrow, while authorities vowed swift action against those responsible.
Shakir launched Lashkar-i-Islam in 2004 in Khyber, but was ousted in 2005 after clashes with rival Haji Namdar. The group, later led by Mangal Bagh, was banned in 2008. Security forces targeted its operations in mid-2005, dismantling key assets.
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The Mufti Shakir blast underscores ongoing militancy risks in Pakistan. As investigations unfold, it revives focus on Lashkar-i-Islam’s legacy and regional security challenges.