MUZAFFARABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas escaped an armed attack after unidentified gunmen opened fire on his convoy during a visit to Rawalakot. The incident left one security guard dead and several others injured.
The attack took place on Friday in the Tain-Dhalkot area while Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was travelling from Islamabad to Rawalakot for a planned two-day visit, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the convoy came under heavy gunfire from unidentified attackers. During the incident, security guard Muhammad Asif lost his life while performing his duty.
Several other people travelling with the convoy also suffered injuries. However, officials have not yet released details about the number of injured or the severity of their wounds.
There was no immediate confirmation that Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was injured in the attack. His spokesperson did not report any harm to the former AJK prime minister.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Raja Akmal confirmed that authorities had received reports of the firing incident. He said police had launched an investigation into the attack.
The DIG stated that law enforcement agencies were working to identify those responsible. He added that the attackers would be brought to justice after a thorough investigation.
Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified the suspects. Authorities also have not disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting.
The attack has raised fresh security concerns ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. The polls for the 53-member assembly are scheduled to take place on July 27.
Political observers believe security arrangements may come under greater scrutiny as election campaigning continues across the region.
Earlier this month, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). His decision followed meetings with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan and State Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Awn Chaudhry.
Before joining the IPP, Ilyas resigned from the Pakistan Peoples Party’s AJK chapter. His resignation came after negotiations over election tickets reportedly failed.
Political analysts viewed his departure as a significant development before the upcoming elections. The move also changed the political landscape in Azad Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the polls.
The latest attack also comes during a period of heightened tensions in the region. Authorities have recently dealt with protests linked to the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Security officials continue to monitor the situation closely as election activities increase across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The investigation into Friday’s attack remains ongoing. Police have appealed for information that could help identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting.
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The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the security of political leaders and election-related activities in the region as voters prepare to elect members of the new AJK Legislative Assembly.
