IS-K Claims Killing of 3 Brothers, Including Markazi Muslim League Worker, in Pakistan’s Bajaur

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Three brothers, including a worker of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, were shot dead by unidentified armed terrorists in Khar tehsil of Bajaur district in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) claiming responsibility for the attack.

The victims were identified as Hanifullah, Ibrahim and Abbas, sons of Bakht Shah. According to local reports, the three brothers were at their shop in Koza Sar Bazaar when armed attackers opened fire on them. All three sustained fatal injuries and died.

Hanifullah was associated with the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, a political party whose alleged links to the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been disputed by the party’s representatives.

The Islamic State Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the killings. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, although further details about the attackers and their motive have not been independently established.

Thousands of people attended the funeral prayers for the three brothers, reflecting the shock and grief caused by the killings in the area.

Muhammad Ashfaq, provincial president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, condemned the attack and called for a transparent and impartial investigation. He urged authorities to arrest those responsible without delay and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The killings have also drawn attention to the political background of the Markazi Muslim League and allegations by analysts that the party is linked to Jamaat-ud-Dawa, an organization headed by Hafiz Saeed. The party has denied any connection with Saeed, Jamaat-ud-Dawa or any banned organization.

Hafiz Saeed and Jamaat-ud-Dawa

Hafiz Saeed, the head of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa, has been accused by India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan’s anti-terrorism courts have sentenced him to a total of 31 years in prison in multiple terrorism-financing cases. He is incarcerated in Lahore.

On December 10, 2008, the United Nations Security Council added Saeed to its sanctions list of individuals associated with terrorism.

Pakistan has proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa and several organizations and institutions identified as affiliated with them. These include Khair-un-Nas International Trust, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Al-Anfal Trust, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, Al-Dawat-ul-Irshad, Alhamd Trust, Al-Madina Foundation and Muaz bin Jabal Educational Trust.

Analysts who monitor religious and political organizations in Pakistan have described the Markazi Muslim League as a possible new political platform for Jamaat-ud-Dawa. However, the party’s spokesperson has rejected the allegations, denying links with Hafiz Saeed, Jamaat-ud-Dawa or any organization banned by the Pakistani government.

Previous Attempts to Enter Electoral Politics

In 2018, individuals associated with Jamaat-ud-Dawa attempted to participate in Pakistan’s general elections under the banner of the Milli Muslim League. The Election Commission of Pakistan rejected the party’s registration following opposition from the government.

In the same year, the United States designated the Milli Muslim League under its counterterrorism measures, with the US Treasury Department acting with the approval of the State Department. Washington also designated seven individuals associated with the group: Saifullah Khalid, Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi, Muhammad Haris Dar, Tabish Qayyum, Fayyaz Ahmed, Faisal Nadeem and Muhammad Ehsan.

US authorities alleged that the individuals were associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and said the measures were intended to disrupt the group’s political activities and target its support networks and financial facilitators.

According to information provided to Terror Monitor, four of the seven individuals designated by the United States have been nominated by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League to contest seats in the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Sindh. The identities of these candidates, their constituencies and the current status of the relevant US designations require independent verification.

The alleged political links remain contested, and the Markazi Muslim League has denied any association with banned organizations.

Police have not publicly established a connection between the allegations surrounding the party’s political background and the killing of the three brothers in Bajaur. The investigation into the attack is ongoing.