Gunmen target convoys of cleric, Chief Justice of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court

Unknown terrorists opened fire on the convoy of Ahle Sunnah organisation chief and prominent religious scholar Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, leaving him injured along with several others in Gilgit, police officials confirmed.

According to police sources, five people — including four police officers — were wounded in the brazen attack, which took place as the convoy was travelling through the city. The sudden assault sent the area into chaos, prompting an immediate security lockdown and suspension of traffic on the Karakoram Highway.

In a related development, the attackers also fired on the vehicle of the Chief Justice of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court, though government spokespersons confirmed that the Chief Justice remained safe.

Following the incident, Gilgit city was effectively shut down, with roads deserted and markets closed amid heightened tension. Security forces have since been deployed across key locations as the region remains on high alert.

Outrage spread rapidly, with protests erupting in Gilgit against the attack on the Ahle Sunnah leader. Demonstrators demanded swift justice and immediate action against those responsible for the act of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly attempt to disturb peace in the region.

Muqam, who received news of the incident during an official visit abroad, immediately contacted the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Inspector General of Police of Gilgit-Baltistan, directing a high-level investigation into the attack.

He praised Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed’s call for calm, commending his appeal to the people to remain peaceful despite the grave provocation. “The people of Gilgit-Baltistan stand united against terrorism,” said Muqam, adding that the culprits will face the full force of the law.

The federal minister also prayed for the swift recovery of Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed and the other injured individuals as investigations continue into the deadly assault.