Three arrested over attack on cricketer Naseem Shah’s home

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack earlier this month on the home of Pakistani cricketer Naseem Shah in the Miyar area of Lower Dir.

The attack took place in the early hours of 10 November, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at around 1:45 a.m. on the main gate of the cricketer’s house.

The shooting left bullet marks on the gate, walls, and windows. The attackers fled immediately, and Naseem Shah’s family remained unharmed.

According to police officials, a special investigation team—led by SP Investigations Rashid Ahmed Khan and comprising SDPO Jandol Circle Aleem Khan, Miyar Police Station SHO Idrees Khan, and CIO Hayat Muhammad Khan—worked on the case.

After reviewing CCTV footage from the locality and examining other evidence, police said the three suspects were identified and arrested following their nomination by Naseem’s father, Zafar Shah.

During questioning, police stated that all three confessed to the attack. The motive appears to be linked to a recent land dispute between local families.

An official said, “A disagreement over land had intensified in the days leading up to the incident. On the day of the attack, one group was sowing wheat on the disputed land when the rival side allegedly opened fire. Since some relatives of Naseem’s mother belong to one of these families, the cricketer’s house was targeted.”

He added that further investigation is under way, and security around the cricketer’s home has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incident.

Local residents described Naseem Shah’s family as respectable and law-abiding, expressing satisfaction over the swift police action.

“These arrests have brought some peace to our area,” a relative said.