QUETTA: Armed men opened firing on Moulvi Habibullah senior member of JUI F and Paish Imam of a local masjid when he was in way to home in Arif Street area of Sariab road killing the imam on the spot on Saturday afternoon.

Police said, the attackers on motorbike targeted the senior leader of JUI F and Imam of Masjid e Bilal in Arif Street when he was coming out after afternoon prayers on Saturday.

“Moulvi Habibullah Mengal was shot near the masjid and the attackers managed to escape after carrying out attack.” Police added.

Rescue workers and Police reached the spot and cordoned-off the area, the bodies of Paish Imam had been evacuated to Civil Hospital for autopsy.

Doctors in Hospital confirmed that the religious leader received multiple bullets in his chest and head which caused his instant death.

Moulvi Habibullah Mengal was a senior member of JUI-F while the JUI-F strongly condemned the attack.

“Motive behind the attack as yet ascertained but we have commenced investigation, the attack might be a targeted killing as rounds of 9mm pistol were recovered from the crime scene.” SHO Sariyab Police Station confirmed.

There is a pause in target killing attacks in Quetta as the city witness uptick in target killing since March and April.

No group has yet claimed responsibility of the attack till the file was reported but Police have commenced interrogation on the killing of religious scholar.