Panic and tension gripped Gilgit on Sunday after unidentified gunmen launched two separate attacks targeting prominent cleric Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed and senior judge Malik Inayatur Rehman. The assaults left five people injured and forced businesses across the city to shut down.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan’s Interior Minister Shams Lone, unidentified attackers opened fire near the Police Headquarters, injuring Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, the Ameer of Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat, along with his driver and two security guards. All those injured were reported to be in stable condition.
The second attack occurred near City Hospital, where gunmen fired at the vehicle of Chief Court Judge Malik Inayat ur Rehman. The judge escaped unharmed, although his car sustained multiple bullet strikes.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Gilgit-Baltistan,” said Minister Lone, vowing that the culprits would be tracked down and made an example of.
Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq described the assault on Qazi Nisar as a “cowardly attempt to drag the region into chaos,” adding that the government was determined to maintain peace and unity.
Following the incidents, fear and anger spread across Gilgit. Protesters blocked roads in several parts of the city, erecting barriers and demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers. Intercity traffic between Gilgit and Islamabad was also suspended due to heightened security concerns.
In solidarity, youths from all walks of life condemned the attacks, urging authorities to apprehend the terrorists and ensure lasting peace in the region.
Social media was abuzz with users condemning the attacks and demanding swift action, reflecting widespread outrage and concern over the deteriorating law and order situation.
A senior police official reported that the attackers abandoned two vehicles before fleeing the scene.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and Governor Syed Mehdi Shah strongly condemned the twin attacks, terming them a “conspiracy to destabilise peace,” and directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible without delay.
The chief minister also ordered a high-level probe into both incidents and asked people to observe restraint and patience and keep united to foil evil designs of terrorists.