Police launch investigation as incident occurs days before Azad Kashmir legislative elections
MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have launched an investigation after gunfire struck the convoy of former AJK prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas during his journey to Rawalakot, leaving one security guard dead and several others injured.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Raja Akmal confirmed on Friday that officials had received reports of firing on Ilyas’ convoy. He said investigators were gathering evidence and pledged that action would be taken against those found responsible.
According to a statement shared by Ilyas’ spokesperson on Facebook, the attack occurred in the Tain-Dhalkot area. The spokesperson said Muhammad Asif, a member of Ilyas’ security team, was killed in the incident, while several other people travelling with the convoy sustained injuries.
The statement added that Ilyas had departed from Islamabad earlier in the day for a two-day visit to Rawalakot when the shooting took place.
Incident comes ahead of July 27 polls
The attack occurred just days before elections for the 53-member Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled for July 27.
Earlier this month, Ilyas announced that he had joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) following a meeting with party president Abdul Aleem Khan and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Awn Chaudhry.
His move came after he resigned from the primary membership of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s AJK chapter following unsuccessful negotiations over election tickets.
Security concerns remain in focus
Meanwhile, the incident comes amid heightened political tensions and security concerns in the region. Authorities have also been dealing with protests linked to the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5, alleging the group was involved in terrorism. The ban was announced ahead of a planned protest over reserved legislative seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
Police have not announced any arrests or identified a motive for the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
