Five policemen martyred in exchange of fire during raid in Chilas

CHILAS: Five policemen, including an inspector, belonging to the Gilgit Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) were martyred in an exchange of fire during a midnight raid in Diamer’s Chilas district on Tuesday.

According to officials, five CTD officials were also wounded, as well as two others killed during the operation.

Police said they were conducting a raid after information was received that wanted criminals were hiding at the location. The suspects opened fire, killing the five CTD members.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Diamer told Geo News an investigation was underway to determine who was responsible for the crime. 

Caretaker GB chief minister Mir Afzal Khan has directed the inspector general of Gilgit Baltistan to submit a report of the incident. “The suspects were involved in trading weapons, apart from terrorist activities,” he said.

Protesters block road after civilians killed

Soon after the incident, people blocked the Karakoram Highway in protest against the killing of two civilians in the exchange of fire.

The protesters alleged that the police raided the area based on false information and killed a student, Izharullah.

However, after successful negotiations between the families of the deceased and local administration, the road was opened for traffic.

The officials assured the protestors it would complete an inquiry into the matter within the next two days.