Attempted attack on Ali Mirza; gunman killed in counter attack

JHELUM: An attempted attack targeting religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was foiled on Sunday after an armed assailant opened fire outside Al-Subh Academy in Jhelum Cantt, officials said.

According to police and academy administration, the incident occurred at around 10:45am when an unidentified gunman fired at the academy’s main gate. Security personnel present at the site responded swiftly, returning fire and killing the attacker on the spot.

Authorities said the identity of the assailant has not yet been established, and efforts are underway to identify the body.

During the exchange of fire, a police officer, Ahsan Kayani, was injured after being struck by gunfire. He reportedly stepped forward to block the attacker and played a key role in neutralising the threat. He sustained a serious leg injury and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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Officials confirmed that no students, staff, or participants inside the academy were harmed in the incident.

The academy administration said that Sunday sessions usually draw between 150 and 200 attendees, all of whom remained safe due to the prompt response of security personnel.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to assess whether the assailant had any accomplices.