Mehsud's friend turned foe killed in Dera Ismail Khan

Islamabad, June 23 (ANI): The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud's former close aide, Qari Zainuddin, has been shot dead in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) headquarters, Dera Ismail Khan.

According to sources, Zainuddin, who had recently criticized Mehsud terming his activities as 'unIslamic', was killed by a gunman on Tuesday morning.

The gunman has been identified as one Gulbadeen Mehsud, and said to be a resident of Makeen region, The News reports.

Sources said that Mehsud fired at Zainuddin from close range, killing him and injuring one of Zainuddin's close associates seriously.

It may be noted that recently, Zainuddin had parted ways with the Taliban warlord, and charged him of acting against Islam.

Zainuddin had said that he was not in favour of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, as it was against Islam.

Zainuddin said that he and many other insurgents had sided with the TTP chief against non-Muslims, and not for carrying out attacks inside the country. (ANI)