Dera Ismail Khan: Terrorist Iqbal alias Bali Khayara who was member of Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Khayara group was killed in police encounter near Fateh Moor in Dera Ismail Khan, police officials confirmed.

Iqbal was one of most wanted terrorists and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab police had announced reward of Rs 10.5 million for his capture, dead or alive. Inspector-General of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police Akhtar Hayat Khan speaking to private TV channel said police retaliated after an attack carried out on them by Iqbal and killed him, along with an accomplice.

He said that Iqbal was wanted for 26 cases of terrorism and targeted killings. He was accused of targeted killings, terrorism and abduction of Shia Muslims in 21 cases by CTD DI Khan whereas he was also wanted by Multan police in five other cases.  Additionally, DI Khan police officials say that Iqbal was also involved in recent suicide bombing at District Headquarters Hospital, as well as 2009 attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. Attack on Sri Lankan cricket team claimed lives of seven police officials and left seven players including Mahela Jayawaredene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana and Chaminda Vaas injured.

Attack drove cricket and most other international sports from Pakistan for years which only returned after security significantly improved in terror-hit country.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 05 2023

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