A prominent religious leader was shot and wounded while his security guard was martyred in a brazen targeted attack in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening, according to police officials.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred near Daducha Morr as the scholar, Pir Syed Ali Imam Shah Gillani, was traveling towards Kallar Syedan. Gillani, who is associated with Hussainia Sharif Islamabad, was in his Toyota Prado when assailants intercepted the vehicle and opened fire with automatic weapons. The attack took place at approximately 5 p.m.
His guard, identified as Shafqat Hussain, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Gillani sustained gunshot wounds to his legs, while the driver, Mian Ahmed Nawaz Qadri, was also injured. The attackers reportedly fled the scene using two vehicles: a silver Honda BR-V and a black Toyota Corolla.
Police Response and Investigation
City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani confirmed that police have taken serious notice of the attack and have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrators. SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehmood personally visited the crime scene for evidence collection and later went to the District Headquarters Hospital to inquire about Gillani's condition, which was reported as stable.
An FIR was registered late Sunday night based on the complaint filed by the driver. The initial police investigation and the FIR suggest a possible motive linked to a property dispute. The dispute is believed to be connected to decisions made during the lifetime of Gillani's father, the noted religious scholar and founder of Hussainia Sharif, Dr. Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani.
Ongoing Probe and Community Impact
Authorities have stated that while the property dispute angle is being explored, the motive is still under investigation. A full-scale operation is underway to track down the assailants involved in this targeted shooting. The attack has sent shockwaves through the local religious community, raising concerns about the safety of public figures.
Police officials have assured that further investigation is actively progressing and updates will be provided as the case develops.
