The police said the attack was reportedly linked to an ongoing land dispute involving members of two local groups, which escalated tensions and led the suspects to target the cricketer’s residence.
The attack occurred late on the night of November 10, damaging the main gate, walls and windows of the house. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The FIR was filed by Zafar Shah, father of Naseem Shah, who told police that he and his family were asleep when they heard gunshots around 1:45 am. Upon inspecting the house at 8:00 am, he found bullet marks on the gate and veranda walls, with several windowpanes shattered. He said the attackers appeared to have fired with the intent to kill him and his family.
Dirtrict Police Lower Dir arrested three suspects for their alleged involvement in a firing incident at family home of cricketer Naseem Shah. Photo: Express
Following the complaint, a case (FIR No. 196) under sections 324 and 427 was registered at Police Station Ma’yar.
Read More: Gunmen open fire at Naseem Shah’s home in Lower Dir
The District Police Lower Dir said that Provincial Police Officer Zulfiqar Hameed and Regional Police Officer Malakand Sher Akbar Khan took notice of the incident and directed the formation of a special investigation team, led by DPO Lower Dir. The team included SP Investigation Rasheed Ahmed Khan, SDPO Jandol Aleem Khan, SHO Ma’yar Idrees Khan, and CIO Hayat Muhammad Khan.
Using CCTV footage, technical tools, and intelligence reports, the team identified three suspects — Shah Hayat son of Bakht Munir, Wilayat Khan, and Javed, residents of Jabgai — who were arrested and reportedly confessed to the crime. They have been nominated in the case.
Police said the attack stemmed from a land dispute between two local groups. A few days earlier, members of one group had been sowing wheat on contested land when the rival group opened fire, leading to another FIR (No. 193) being registered on November 8 under sections 324, 506, 148, 149 and 7 ATA.
Authorities said the suspects believed Zafar Shah was supporting one side in the dispute, as Naseem Shah’s aunt is married into that family, which allegedly prompted them to attack the cricketer’s home. The District Police Lower Dir added that further investigation is underway and additional arrests may follow.