Security Guard Fatally Shot During Attack on Ex-AJK PM Tanveer Ilyas's Convoy in Poonch
A security guard was killed and others injured when the convoy of former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas came under fire on Friday in the Tain-Dhalkot area of Poonch district. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM as the convoy traveled through Ilyas's native constituency, LA-22 (Poonch-V). Unidentified assailants reportedly opened fire from a mountainside. Muhammad Asif, a retired commando serving as a security guard, was fatally shot in the head while allegedly shielding the former premier. He succumbed to his injuries en route to a Rawalpindi hospital. Ilyas, who now leads the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) in the region, was unharmed. In a video message, Ilyas alleged that armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were responsible for the attack, a claim that could not be independently verified. The JAAC had been protesting shortages of essential commodities and blocking roads. Ilyas, who is contesting regional elections from three constituencies on the IPP ticket, including LA-22 where he faces his cousin Shahida Saghir's son, had been advised against the visit due to the prevailing law-and-order situation. He insisted on proceeding, accepting the risk. Ilyas paid tribute to his slain guard, demanded authorities deal with the perpetrators "with an iron hand," and suggested the army should be involved if necessary. He also alleged the attackers were pursuing "RAW's agenda."
This incident highlights the volatile intersection of political campaigning, regional grievances, and security concerns in the AJK region. The attack, occurring during a political visit to a native constituency, raises questions about the effectiveness of security protocols and the state's capacity to ensure safe passage for political figures amidst local unrest. The former prime minister's allegations against a specific group, coupled with his calls for decisive action and potential military involvement, underscore the escalating tensions. The context of protests over essential commodities suggests underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the instability. Future political engagement in such areas will likely require a more robust security framework and a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of public discontent, balancing the need for political freedom with the imperative of public safety and order.
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