GILGIT: Seven police personnel have been arrested and two police officers suspended after a woman lost her life during a shoot-out between a police team and a suspected criminal on the premises of a hospital in the Gilgit city.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Gilgit Raja Mirza Hassan told media that the woman from Kashrote had taken her newborn child to the hospital for vaccination on Wednesday night when the incident occurred.

He said a police team was searching for a man wanted in multiple criminal cases, including drug peddling and sexual harassment.

When the police team raided the hideout of the suspect, he fled to avoid arrest and entered the City Hospital premises. Mr Hassan said the police personnel were following the suspect and on the premises of the hospital an exchange of fire occurred. During the shoot-out, a bullet hit the woman, who was passing nearby, killing her on the spot.

“During the firing incident, the wanted person was injured and he is now under treatment at the PHQ Hospital,” the DIG said.

He said the wanted man opened fire at the police prompting the law enforcers to retaliate. He said it was unfortunate that in exchange of fire the woman lost her life.

Soon after the incident, Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital Dr Afzal Siraj submitted a written complaint at the Cantt police station, seeking immediate legal action against the police officials.

The incident sparked protest on social media with people from all walks of life condemning it and demanding an inquiry into the death of the woman.

Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan ordered an inquiry and directed the home secretary and the inspector general of police to submit a report.

The DIG said seven police personnel had been taken into custody after registration of an FIR against them.

Later, addressing a press conference, the chief minister along with IGP Afzal Mahmood Butt, member GB assembly Jamil Ahmed and DC Ameer Azam Hamza said the death of the woman due to negligence and unprofessional behaviour of police was intolerable.

The CM announced to suspend the SSP Gilgit and SHO of the relevant police station for negligence and to ensure fair investigation. He also ordered a JIT into the death of the woman. He said compensation would be paid to the heirs of the deceased woman.

On the demand of local people, the chief minister also announced deployment of Rangers and FC for security of the hospital.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025