Gilgit inquiry commission completes site inspection

Gilgit -- A judicial inquiry commission in Gilgit-Baltistan has completed a detailed on-site inspection of locations affected by recent violent protests.

The unrest erupted after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli and US strikes on Iran.

The three-member commission, headed by Justice Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman, visited the scenes to examine physical evidence, assess casualties and damage, and analyse the causes and sequence of events.

Its other members are Justice Johar Ali and Justice Jehanzeb Khan.

Senior local officials appeared before the commission to record statements after the site visit. They included Gilgit Division Commissioner Toqeer Haider Kazmi, DIG Gilgit Region Raja Mazhar Hassan, Assistant Commissioner Adil, SP Gilgit Muhammad Awais, and SDPO City Khadija Tahira.

The officers provided accounts of the background to the protests, the security measures taken, and the overall law and order situation.

The commission also questioned officials on technical and legal aspects of the evidence, with the aim of establishing facts and accountability. It has stressed that the investigation will remain transparent and impartial.

Nearly 10 local residents have requested to give statements, and the commission has allowed them to do so under official procedures.

The inquiry was set up to identify the triggers of the unrest, those responsible, and any shortcomings in the administrative response. Its goal is to recommend practical measures to prevent similar violence in future.

More officials have been summoned to record statements. The commission plans to visit Baltistan soon for further examination of losses and evidence.

Once its work is complete, it will submit a final report with recommendations to the authorities.

The protests in Gilgit and nearby areas followed news of Ayatollah Khamenei's death and resulted in deaths, injuries and damage to property, including some public buildings. Curfews were imposed in the region at the time to restore order.