Scholar Unharmed, Constable Injured in Academy Shooting
A gunman who opened fire outside the Quran and Sunnah Academy of religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in Jhelum was killed in a police response on Sunday. The scholar, who was delivering a lecture at the time, remained unharmed.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred during Engineer Mirza’s routine lecture when an unidentified assailant suddenly resorted to indiscriminate firing. Constable Ahsan, who was on duty at the site, sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. No other casualties were reported.
Police Response and Investigation
A police official stated that a prompt and effective response led to the attacker being “neutralised” in an exchange of fire, preventing any major loss of life. Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Rawalpindi, Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, has taken immediate notice and ordered a thorough investigation to identify any facilitators behind the attack.
Law enforcement agencies have begun collecting evidence from the scene, while security in the area has been placed on high alert. Additional police personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations.
History of Threats
This is not the first time the scholar has faced such an attack. In February of this year, he escaped another attempt when a person tried to target him during a photo session at the same academy. That attacker was arrested.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was also arrested last year in August under a maintenance of public order (3-MPO) regulation and was later released on bail in December.
