Days after a brazen gun attack on Gilgit-Baltistan’s top Sunni cleric Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmad, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has announced the arrest of eight local facilitators linked to the assault.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, accompanied by the provincial ministers, the chief minister said Gilgit remained tense in recent days but, by the grace of Allah, the region escaped a major tragedy. He confirmed that Maulana Qazi Nisar and his guards suffered minor injuries and are now out of danger.
Khan said, the government took immediate action against those aiding the attackers, with detailed information about the prime suspects already in hand. “All those attempting to disturb peace in G-B are being identified, and the entire region is on high alert,” he stated.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan says all suspects in the gun attack on Ameer Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat, Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmad, are local residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Eight facilitators have been arrested, and 8 to 10 main culprits have been identified and will soon be… pic.twitter.com/xFvK5pep84
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He praised Maulana Qazi Nisar’s message of peace despite being wounded, saying, “His statement has won the hearts of millions of people across Pakistan.” The chief minister specifically mentioned, “The people of G-B have once again demonstrated unity and resilience against those seeking to divide them.”
He warned that anyone igniting sectarian hatred would face strict action. He urged youth to avoid sharing inflammatory material on social media. “The government, in consultation with religious scholars, will ensure the culprits are brought to justice and given exemplary punishment,” he vowed.
Reaffirming the patriotic spirit of the people, Khan said the government, with public cooperation, would ensure lasting peace and stability across G-B.
Read More: Assassination attempt on Qazi Nisar
It may be recalled, top Sunni cleric of Gilgit-Baltistan, Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, was attacked on Sunday when his convoy was passing by the central police office in Gilgit, injuring him and four of his guards. The assault has triggered protests in Gilgit bringing routine life to a standstill.
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.
