A worker of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was killed and two others were seriously injured after unidentified assailants opened fire on the party’s election campaign convoy in Kotli district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Saturday. The attack has raised security concerns ahead of the upcoming AJK general elections.
According to police and rescue officials, the incident took place in the Nakyal Fatehpur area during an election rally led by PML-N candidate Umair Naeem. Gunmen opened fire on the convoy, causing panic among supporters and residents in the area.
The deceased was identified as Malik Ashiq, Vice Chairman of Union Council Khandar, who died at the scene. Two others, retired principal Malik Abdul Qayyum and Malik Hameed, Vice Chairman of Union Council Banala, sustained serious injuries in the attack.
Rescue teams reached the site shortly after the incident and provided first aid to the injured before shifting them to Kotli District Headquarters Hospital for further medical treatment. Their condition has not yet been officially updated.
The shooting prompted a heavy deployment of police in the area. Law enforcement personnel cordoned off the crime scene, collected evidence and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Station House Officer (SHO) of Nakyal confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are underway. However, no arrests have been made so far, and authorities have not yet announced the motive behind the attack or identified those responsible.
The incident comes at a time of heightened security concerns ahead of the AJK general elections. Earlier, the AJK government requested additional security personnel from the federal government, citing concerns over the prevailing law and order situation and the possibility of unrest during the election period.
According to officials, the regional administration sought extra security to ensure peaceful polling, expressing concerns that protest activities could affect the electoral process. General elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for July 27, with polling to be held in 33 constituencies across AJK and 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan.
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