A religious scholar, Mufti Shah Mir, was shot and killed in Turbat, Balochistan, in what police are calling a targeted attack. Indian media claims that Mir had played a crucial role in the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was accused of orchestrating terrorism in Pakistan. The assassination has raised concerns over growing security threats in the region.
Gunmen Open Fire Outside Mosque
According to police, armed men on motorcycles ambushed Mir as he left a mosque after the night prayer. The attackers fired multiple shots, critically injuring him. He was rushed to Turbat hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Mir, known for his affiliation with a religio-political party, had survived two previous assassination attempts. This time, however, he could not escape.
Series of Targeted Killings
Local authorities suspect that Mir’s murder is part of a series of targeted attacks. Last week, two other individuals linked to his party, Wadera Ghulam Sarwar and Maulvi Amanullah, were also shot dead by bike-riding assailants. A security guard was injured in one of the attacks.
Police are investigating possible connections between these killings and regional insurgent groups. However, no group has claimed responsibility yet.
Read: Civilians Cannot Face Military Trials, Says Hamid Khan
Who Was Kulbhushan Jadhav?
Jadhav, a former Indian Navy commander, was arrested in Balochistan on March 3, 2016. Pakistan accused him of being an operative for India’s intelligence agency, RAW, and charged him with espionage and subversive activities.
A military court sentenced him to death, but the execution was halted following an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. The case remains a key point of contention between Pakistan and India.
Security Concerns Grow in Balochistan
The recent spike in targeted killings has intensified security concerns in Balochistan.
Police have launched an investigation into Mir’s murder, but with no immediate claims of responsibility, the motive remains unclear. The killings have once again brought Pakistan’s security challenges into the spotlight, particularly concerning figures involved in sensitive national security cases.
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