GILGIT (October 6, 2025) — Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) witnessed a tense Sunday after two separate armed attacks targeted Chief Court Judge Malik Inayatur Rehman and religious leader Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, injuring at least five people and sparking widespread protests that brought life to a standstill across the region.
Gun Attack on Chief Court Judge
According to police, Judge Malik Inayatur Rehman’s convoy came under heavy gunfire near Khari City Hospital in Gilgit on Sunday morning. Unidentified assailants opened fire from multiple directions, striking the judge’s vehicle with at least 12 bullets.
Remarkably, the judge and his security team escaped unharmed.
Law enforcement agencies swiftly reached the site and cordoned off the area. Investigators launched a search for the attackers as security was tightened throughout the city.
ALERT: In a second attack of the day, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle of Senior Judge Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court earlier today. Fortunately, the judge, his driver, and security personnel remained unharmed in the attack: Police pic.twitter.com/RK7HC56lka
— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) October 5, 2025
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan took notice of the attack, ordering security agencies to “deal with the culprits with an iron hand” and prevent any attempts to destabilise the region. GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, the Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Opposition Leader, and representatives from the legal fraternity and civil society strongly condemned the incident and called for a transparent investigation.
Cleric Targeted Near the Central Police Office
Earlier in the day, Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, emir of the proscribed Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) for GB and Kohistan, was attacked near the Central Police Office (CPO).
The cleric’s convoy — which included police guards and a driver — came under intense gunfire from unidentified shooters. Maulana Qazi Nisar, his driver, and three police personnel were injured in the attack but are reported to be in stable condition after being shifted to the hospital.
ALERT:
Mualana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, Ameer of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat Gilgit-Baltistan, and his guard were injured in a targeted attack when unknown assailants opened fire on their vehicle near Nagar Colony, Gilgit. The area has been cordoned off by security forces, search operation… pic.twitter.com/eUaRLfG7Qy— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) October 5, 2025
Police said the guards retaliated immediately, injuring some attackers, who escaped using a Suzuki vehicle they had snatched at gunpoint after their own vehicles became inoperative. Two vehicles used in the attack were recovered, and an investigation is underway.
SSP Gilgit Ishaq Hussain confirmed that district police have been placed on high alert, with comprehensive operations launched to track down those involved.
Protests and Shutdown Across Gilgit-Baltistan
The twin attacks triggered widespread protests across Gilgit-Baltistan, with demonstrators blocking main roads, including the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Gilgit–Shandur Road, and Baltistan Road.
Markets and shops remained shut as residents, traders, and religious groups staged demonstrations in Gilgit, Diamer, Nagar, Skardu, Astore, Ghizer, Ghanche, and Shigar, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits.
Religious leaders from various sects jointly condemned the attacks, calling them a “conspiracy to sabotage the hard-won peace of the region.”
Strong Official Condemnation
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, condemned the attack on Maulana Qazi Nisar, calling it “an assault on the peace and stability of the entire region.”
Speaking from abroad, he said he had contacted the GB chief minister, chief secretary, and inspector general of police to seek a detailed report, and directed authorities to use all available resources to arrest those responsible.
“Those involved in this heinous crime will not escape justice,” he said.
GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan also reiterated that “no conspiracy against Gilgit-Baltistan’s peace will be allowed to succeed.” He directed law enforcement agencies to conduct transparent investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
Governor Mehdi Shah, Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate, Deputy Speaker Sadia Danish, Opposition Leader Kazim Mesum, cabinet members, religious leaders, and civil society figures echoed similar calls for swift accountability.
Background: Heightened Security Concerns
The attacks come at a time of heightened security concerns in GB, with authorities already on alert following intelligence reports of potential militant activity in the region. Sunday’s twin incidents have intensified pressure on law enforcement to restore public confidence and prevent further unrest.
The back-to-back armed assaults on a senior judge and a prominent cleric have rattled Gilgit-Baltistan’s fragile calm, prompting strong public anger and calls for swift justice as security forces intensify their hunt for the attackers.
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