PESHAWAR, Sept 8, 2025 — More than a week after the assassination of Khalid Khan, senior lawyer and president of the Dargai Bar Association, the killers remain at large while the joint investigation team (JIT) continues its probe. His family has urged the provincial government and law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation and provide them with immediate protection.

Khalid Khan, who was also the district president of Khattak Quami Ittehad Pakistan (KQIP), was ambushed on August 28 by unidentified gunmen as he returned home from civil courts in Dargai, Malakand. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

On September 1, the Malakand deputy commissioner—also commandant of Malakand Levies—constituted a JIT led by Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Shahbaz Khan, with representatives from Military Intelligence (MI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). An FIR was registered at the Dargai police station, with Khalid’s brother, Haider Ali Khan, as the complainant.

Family members, however, have expressed frustration at the slow pace of the investigation. “While we welcome the formation of JIT, the slow pace of investigation is alarming. Any further delay risks obstructing justice and compounds the insecurity faced by our family that continues to live under grave threats following this targeted killing,” said Quraysh Khattak, the slain lawyer’s brother.

Mr. Khattak, a known civil society activist, revealed that despite appeals to top provincial officials—including the KP Governor, IGP, Additional IGP, and Malakand DC—security measures have been inadequate. “Only a single constable of Levies was approved to one of my brothers. Our request for arms permits for self-defence was rejected, citing a Supreme Court ban,” he said.

Highlighting the family’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law, he stressed: “For generations, our family has lived peacefully, with no criminal or civil disputes. We have consciously rejected the tribal tradition of taking up arms to avenge injustices. Yet, this principled stance has left us vulnerable and exposed, without the protection we urgently need.”

The targeted killing has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from the legal fraternity, including the KP Bar Council and the Peshawar High Court Bar Association.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also issued a statement on X, strongly condemning the attack. HRCP stressed that such assaults on lawyers undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in justice. It called on authorities to ensure an impartial and urgent inquiry, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide security to Khalid Khan’s family.