Panic and tension grabbed Gilgit on Sunday after unidentified armed men launched two distinct attacks targeting the eminent clerk Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed and the main judge Malik Inayatur Rehman. The assaults left five people injured and forced city companies to close.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Interior Minister, Shams Lone, unidentified attackers opened fire near the police seat, injuring Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, as well as his driver and two security guards. All the injured are in stable condition.
The second attack occurred near the city hospital, where armed men shot the vehicle of the judge of the Malik Inayat Ur Rehman. The judge escaped unscathed, although his car suffered several shots.
“No one will be authorized to disrupt peace in the Gilgit-Baltistan,” said the Minister Lone, promising that the culprits be found and had an example.
Faizullah Faraq government spokesperson described the assault on Qazi Nisar as an “loose attempt to drag the region in chaos”, adding that the government was determined to maintain peace and unity.
After incidents, fear and anger spread to Gilgit. The demonstrators blocked the roads in several parts of the city, erect barriers and demand the immediate arrest of the attackers. Interurban traffic between Gilgit and Islamabad has also been suspended due to increased safety problems.
Solidarity, young people from all backings condemned the attacks, urging the authorities to apprehend terrorists and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
Social media was in effect with users condemning attacks and demanding rapid action, reflecting the indignation and general concerns concerning the deterioration of the situation of the public order.
A senior police official reported that the attackers had abandoned two vehicles before fleeing the premises.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and Governor Syed Mehdi Shah firmly condemned twin attacks, which called them “conspiracy to destabilize peace” and ordered the law enforcement organizations to apprehend those responsible without delay.
