GILGIT: Eight ‘facilitators’ of the shooting on a religious cleric have been arrested, while the attackers have been identified, Gilgit-Baltis­t­­an Inspector General of Police (IGP) Afzal Mahmood Butt announced on Monday.

The announcement came during a press conference at Central Police Office in Gilgit, alongside an assurance about the arrest of all those behind the attack, which left Qazi Nisar Ahmed injured.

Flanked by Home Secretary Syed Ali Asghar, DIG Gilgit Range Raja Mirza Hassan, the police chief said four vehicles used in the attack had been impounded and DNA samples and fingerprints obtained.

“All requirements for investigation of the case has been completed, the actual culprits would be arrested within two days,” IGP Butt said.

However, he said, the names of the facilitators who provided weapons would not be disclosed at the moment, as it could impact the investigation.

Replying to a question, he said those involved in the attack on Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court Judge Malik Inayatur Rehman had also been identified and a search operation was underway for their arrest.

Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, who is the emir of proscribed ASWJ’s GB and Kohistan chapter, was travelling along with police guards and a driver when the convoy came under fire and injured.

Meanwhile, the GB apex committee met under the chairmanship of CM Khan.

Participants vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure no one disturbs the region’s peace. The CM urged the public to remain calm, avoid confrontation, and cooperate with security forces.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2025