JHELUM: Religious scholar and lecturer Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza narrowly escaped an armed attack in Jhelum on Sunday, police confirmed, adding that the assailant was killed in retaliatory firing.
According to police officials, the incident occurred outside the Quran & Sunnat Research Academy, where Mirza regularly delivers lectures. A man armed with a 9mm pistol reportedly arrived at the location, lay on the ground, and opened fire.
Police spokesperson Kashif Kiani said security personnel responded immediately, while Senior Superintendent of Police Chaudhry Shafiq confirmed that officers returned fire, killing the attacker at the scene. Mirza remained unharmed and later resumed his lecture activities.
During the exchange, a constable assigned to Mirza’s security detail was injured. The officer sustained a gunshot wound to the foot and was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Jhelum, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
Police said security arrangements were active at the time of the attack and will be further strengthened. Authorities also plan to seek assistance from the National Database & Registration Authority to identify the attacker.
District Police Officer Jhelum stated that an investigation is underway to determine the motive and any possible links to accomplices.
Mirza, who has a large online following for his religious lectures, has previously survived multiple attacks, including an assassination attempt in 2021. The motive behind the latest incident remains unclear.