Farid Khan laid to rest amid protests

Amid violence and curfew, slain PTI lawmaker Farid Khan was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in village Darvezee Palosa, Hangu on Tuesday.
As many as nine people were killed during violence in Hangu and its surrounding areas.
The funeral prayers were attended by hundreds of people. Prominent among them was MNA from Hangu and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf provincial vice president Kheyal Zaman Aurakzai.
After leading the prayers, Abdul Sattar of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat announced that people from all over the area have unanimously nominated Shah Faisal, younger brother of Farid Khan, for by-elections from PK-42 Hangu.
Farid and his driver Ayaz Khan were shot dead in Hangu on Monday. His injured brother is under treatment at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar.
Addressing the people, PTI provincial vice president Kheyal Zaman Aurakzai condemned the brutal assassination and asked for a judicial inquiry in this regard.
On the other hand, the administration imposed curfew in Hangu city and its surrounding areas. All bazaars, educational institutions, government and private offices remained close throughout the district.
An official confirmed that after assassination of MPA Farid Khan and his driver Ayaz Khan, protesters took to the streets and violence erupted. He confirmed killing of nine people. A petrol pump, several restaurants and shops were set on fire by angry protesters.
The protesters also tried to burn the house of JUI-F leader Attiqur Rehman, but police used tear gas to disperse them. Rehman was defeated by late Farid Khan in May 11 polls. People of Hangu alleged that Rehman was involved in the killing.
District Police Officer Sajjad Khan said, “Situation is now under control. There is curfew in Hangu city whereas people from surrounding areas are engaged in routine activities.” He confirmed that four alleged terrorists had been arrested and they are being interrogated.
Hangu is considered the most sensitive city due to its geographical location. On one hand, there is mix Shia and Sunni population and, on the other hand, it is adjacent to Aurakzai, Kurram and North Waziristan agencies.