In a shocking wave of violence, two separate gun attacks rocked Gilgit on Sunday, targeting prominent figures, religious scholar Qazi Nisar Ahmed and Chief Court Judge Justice Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman. Both narrowly escaped death.
According to the spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government, Qazi Nisar Ahmed sustained minor injuries after unknown assailants opened fire on him in Gilgit. Security forces immediately launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq condemned the assault, calling it a cowardly act by “anti-peace elements.” He said, “The Chief Minister has ordered a high-level investigation and directed authorities to bring the culprits to justice. We will crush the nefarious designs of those who wish to disturb peace in the region.”
In a second attack on the same day, gunmen fired at the vehicle of Justice Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman, a sitting judge of the GB Chief Court, near the Khari area. The judge and his driver miraculously escaped unhurt, though their vehicle was damaged in the shooting.
Officials described the back-to-back attacks as a serious security alert and said they appeared to be coordinated attempts to create unrest in the region. The GB Chief Minister has ordered immediate and comprehensive investigations into both incidents.
Security forces have been placed on high alert across Gilgit-Baltistan, with checkpoints tightened and intelligence agencies tasked to trace the perpetrators.
