Dera Ismail Khan: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Director General Shamshad Akhtar was killed on Saturday when unidentified armed men opened fire on him in Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to Tank District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan, Akhtar, who was serving at the ECP headquarters in Islamabad, had travelled to his ancestral village, Garah Baloch, following the death of his brother.

The official was receiving condolences from relatives and visitors at his residence when the attackers opened fire as he stepped outside the house.

Police confirmed that Akhtar died at the scene.

Following the shooting, police cordoned off the area and began a search operation to identify and arrest those responsible.

Authorities said the motive behind the attack remained unknown, and no information about the identity of the assailants was immediately available.

In a statement, the Election Commission expressed grief over Akhtar's death and described the incident as a targeted killing.

The commission said Akhtar was known among his colleagues for his professional conduct and integrity, adding that he had no known personal enmity.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, members of the commission, the ECP secretary and other employees expressed condolences to the family.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the killing, and the investigation is ongoing.