rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao.
MIRPUR (AJK) • 25 February 2026: Two police officers were injured during an armed encounter with proclaimed offenders in the Chakswari area of Mirpur, police confirmed. The incident occurred while authorities were conducting a targeted operation against criminals with multiple prior offenses, following reports of serious crimes in the area.
According to SSP Mirpur Khurram Iqbal, Constable Shahid Naveed sustained two bullet injuries, while Constable Mubarak Hussain was shot in the shoulder. Both officers were immediately shifted to a hospital, where doctors have confirmed their conditions are stable and out of danger. The SSP praised the courage and professionalism of the injured officers, noting that their swift response prevented further escalation.
The operation targeted Qasim alias Kashu, accused of molestation, blackmail, and extortion, whose victim recently died by suicide. Qasim, originally from Punjab, had taken refuge in Chakswari town. Upon reaching his residence, police came under indiscriminate fire from Qasim and his accomplices. During the retaliatory exchange, Qasim was shot in the stomach, apprehended, and hospitalized in stable condition.
Two additional proclaimed offenders, Dawood Butt (resident of Mureedke) and Zahid (resident of Dhangri Bahadur), were arrested on the spot. Weapons recovered included two Kalashnikov rifles with magazines and a green pistol with ammunition, highlighting the dangerous nature of the suspects. Three other suspects—Ali Lahoria, Ali Abbas, and Ramzan Jani—escaped during the confrontation, taking advantage of darkness. Authorities have launched a comprehensive manhunt to ensure their arrest.
SSP Khurram Iqbal emphasized that search operations are ongoing across the district to apprehend the remaining fugitives. He reaffirmed that the rule of law will be enforced, and all absconding accused will be arrested. The police operation reflects their commitment to tackling organized crime while safeguarding the community.
The SSP elaborated that the accused fired on police with the intent to free Qasim, committing multiple offenses under the AJK Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act, including attempted murder, assault, and sheltering declared offenders. Evidence and recovered weapons were documented by Inspector Waqar Amin and ASI Pervez Akhtar, and will support ongoing investigations.
Authorities have registered formal cases under Afzalpur Police Station, case no. 26/40 dated February 26, 2025, and all investigations are continuing diligently. The SSP also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, praising public cooperation which was crucial in preventing further escalation. He reiterated that law enforcement remains fully committed to restoring safety and stability in Mirpur-AJK and protecting citizens from criminal elements.
The operation marks a significant step in strengthening security measures and demonstrates the police’s readiness to confront high-risk offenders while prioritizing the safety of officers and the public alike.