Shooting at Night in Naseem Shah’s Hometown
Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah’s ancestral home in Lower Dir, a district in Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), came under fire late Monday night. According to police, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the house located in the Samar Bagh area before escaping the scene.
The incident caused damage to the main gate, windows, and a vehicle parked outside the residence. However, officials confirmed that no one was injured in the attack.
Five Suspects Detained as Investigation Begins
Local police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched an immediate investigation. During the initial inquiry, five individuals were taken into custody for questioning. Authorities say the motive behind the attack remains unclear, but several angles — including personal enmity and local disputes — are being explored.
A senior police official told local media that forensic teams had collected evidence from the site. He added that efforts were underway to trace the attackers and determine whether the cricketer or his family had received any prior threats.
Cricketer Not Present at the Time of the Incident
Sources said that Naseem Shah was not at home when the incident occurred. The 21-year-old pacer, who plays for Pakistan’s national cricket team, lives mainly in Lahore with his family due to professional and business commitments.
The family’s ancestral home in Lower Dir is often unoccupied, especially when Naseem is touring with the national team. This may have minimized the risk of injuries during the attack.
Rising Security Concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where occasional acts of violence and targeted attacks continue despite recent police crackdowns. Lower Dir, bordering Afghanistan, has seen sporadic security incidents in the past, though attacks on high-profile sports figures are rare.
Police have increased patrols in the area and assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Background: Naseem Shah’s Recent Career Developments
Naseem Shah is among Pakistan’s most promising young fast bowlers, having made his international debut in 2019 at just 16. Recently, he was signed for The Hundred cricket league in England for a contract reportedly worth around 40 million Pakistani rupees (approximately USD 140,000). However, due to injury and scheduling issues, he was unable to participate.
Despite this setback, he remains a key figure in Pakistan’s pace attack, known for his speed, swing, and composure under pressure.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, while fans and fellow cricketers have expressed relief that no one was hurt. Authorities have yet to confirm when Naseem Shah or his family will return to the area.
