A deadly blast killed Mufti Munir Shakir outside a mosque in Peshawar’s Urmar area on Saturday. The explosion also left three other people injured. Police confirmed that the bomb was planted near the mosque gate and detonated when Mufti Munir Shakir entered the mosque for Asr prayers.
The incident occurred in the Kachori neighborhood of Urmar. As Mufti Munir Shakir stepped into the mosque, the bomb exploded, targeting the controversial religious cleric. According to a report published in The News on Sunday, the explosion caused partial damage to the mosque’s entrance.
Police and bomb disposal squads quickly arrived at the scene. Investigators collected evidence from the site. Officials said that 600 grammes of explosives were used in the device. The explosive material was placed right in front of the mosque’s main entrance. Authorities are now collecting CCTV footage from surrounding areas to assist in the probe.
Mufti Munir Shakir, along with three others—Khushal, Abid, and Said Nabi—was critically wounded in the blast. All four were immediately shifted to Lady Reading Hospital. Later, LRH spokesman Mohammad Asim confirmed through a video message that Mufti Munir Shakir died from his injuries. His body was handed over to his family.
The 56-year-old Mufti Munir Shakir was known for his fiery speeches, many of which went viral on social media platforms. He often appeared in videos that gained large online traction. Due to several threats against his life, he remained under strict security with multiple guards posted around him.
Mufti Munir Shakir was also the founder of the now-banned group Lashkar-e-Islam. He had formed the outfit more than two decades ago in the Khyber district. He had been a strong opponent of another influential cleric, Peer Saifur Rehman. Their rivalry eventually forced both to leave the Khyber region following a tribal Jirga decision aimed at restoring peace.
In recent years, Mufti Munir Shakir had relocated and resurfaced in the remote Urmar village of Peshawar. His presence in the area had once again attracted attention due to his controversial background and past affiliations.
