PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: A Director General of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Shamshad Khan Mahsud, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in a terrorist attack in Tank district on Saturday. The ECP spokesperson confirmed the martyrdom of the senior official.

Shamshad Khan Mahsud, also referred to as Shamshad Akhtar in official statements, had traveled to his hometown to attend the funeral of his brother. Reports indicate he was targeted by terrorists as he exited the venue where the Fateha Khwani was being held.

He was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. In a press release, ECP officials expressed deep grief over the killing, describing the deceased as an honest and dutiful officer who was highly respected by his colleagues.

The commission stated that he had no personal enmity, terming the incident a case of targeted killing. The Chief Election Commissioner, members of the commission, the secretary, and staff extended their condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them of full support.

The ECP has urged the government to ensure enhanced security measures for all government employees to protect them from such terrorist attacks. The incident has sent shockwaves through the administrative circles of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security remains a primary concern.

Local police have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but investigations are underway to determine the motive behind this heinous act.

The funeral prayers for the deceased official are expected to be held in his native village, with high-ranking government officials and ECP representatives likely to attend. The commission has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the rule of law despite such threats.

Political leaders from various parties have condemned the assassination, calling it an attack on the state institutions. They have demanded that the provincial government bring the culprits to justice immediately.

The ECP has emphasized that such cowardly acts will not deter the commission from performing its constitutional duties. The loss of a senior officer is being viewed as a significant blow to the institutional integrity of the commission.

As the investigation progresses, the ECP remains in contact with local law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation closely. Further updates regarding the security protocols for ECP officials are expected in the coming days.