Tanveer Ilyas Convoy Attack Leaves One Guard Dead in Bagh

AJK – (Staff Reporter/Web DesK) – The Tanveer Ilyas convoy attack has shaken Azad Jammu and Kashmir just days before the region heads to the polls. Officials confirmed that gunmen opened fire on the convoy of former AJK prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas in Bagh district on Friday.

Deputy Inspector General Raja Akmal shared the first details with the media. He said police received reports of firing targeting the convoy while it was moving through the area.

According to Ilyas’ spokesperson, one of his guards lost his life in the attack. Several others travelling with the convoy were also injured during the incident.

DIG Akmal stated that police teams have launched a full investigation. He assured that strict action will be taken against everyone found responsible for the shooting.

This attack comes at a sensitive time. AJK is preparing for elections to its 53-member Legislative Assembly, scheduled for July 27.

Just weeks ago, Ilyas made a major political shift. He announced his decision to join the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party after meeting IPP leaders Abdul Aleem Khan and Awn Choudhary.

Before that move, Ilyas had already parted ways with the Pakistan Peoples Party. He resigned from PPP’s AJK chapter following failed talks over election tickets.

Political analysts believe his exit was a real setback for PPP ahead of the polls. The timing added extra pressure on the party’s campaign strategy in the region.

Meanwhile, tension in AJK has been building for other reasons too. Ongoing protests by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee have added to the unrest.

The AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation on June 5. Officials accused the group of terrorism-linked activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

That ban came just days before JAAC’s planned protest on June 9. The group had been demanding the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir.

With elections just around the corner, incidents like this raise serious security concerns. Authorities now face growing pressure to ensure safety for candidates and voters alike.

As investigations continue, more details about the attackers and their motive are expected soon. The coming days will be crucial for both security forces and political parties in AJK.