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Security Guard Killed in Convoy Attack
Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas survived a gun attack on his convoy near Tain Dhalkot while traveling to Rawalakot on Friday . His personal security guard, Muhammad Asif, a former SSG commando, was killed after reportedly shielding the former premier, while several others were injured .
Ilyas, who heads the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party’s (IPP) AJK chapter, was on a two-day visit to his native constituency LA-22 (Poonch-V) when unidentified assailants opened fire from the mountainside around 1:30pm . He was traveling in a bulletproof vehicle and remained unharmed .
Political Context and Wider Unrest
Ilyas is contesting the July 27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections on an IPP ticket . He recently left the PPP after being denied tickets from multiple constituencies .
The attack comes amid heightened tensions linked to protests by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been agitating over 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir . Clashes between JAAC supporters and security forces have reportedly left more than 20 dead .
Response and Condemnation
In a video statement, Ilyas alleged the attackers were from the JAAC and demanded decisive action, stating those pursuing “RAW’s agenda” would not be spared . The AJK administration had reportedly advised Ilyas against the visit due to security concerns .
IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan condemned the attack as “cowardly,” saying violence has no place in politics . Police have launched an investigation .
