At least two people were killed and two others injured after a firing incident during a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) election rally in the Tangir area of Gilgit-Baltistan, police said on Friday.
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The incident took place during a campaign rally ahead of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections, where a large number of supporters had gathered. Authorities said the video of the incident later went viral on social media, drawing widespread concern.
According to police, a child was killed on the spot after being struck by a bullet, while three other people were critically injured. One of the injured later died at a hospital, raising the death toll to two.
Initial investigations suggest the incident was caused by accidental aerial firing during the rally. Police said an AK-47 rifle slipped from the hands of a participant, leading to uncontrolled gunfire that struck members of the crowd.
Following the incident, local authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched a formal investigation to determine responsibility and examine security lapses during the political gathering.
The Gilgit-Baltistan administration imposed Section 144 in the area and banned the display of weapons in an effort to prevent further violence during the ongoing election campaign.
Officials said security arrangements for the elections have been strengthened across the region. Gilgit-Baltistan Home Secretary Faisal Ahsan Pirzada directed senior police officials to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and ensure strict enforcement of election safety protocols.
The tragedy comes as preparations for the upcoming elections have been finalized, with polling scheduled for Sunday across multiple districts. According to election authorities, 403 candidates are contesting 24 constituencies, including a large number of independent contenders alongside candidates from various political parties.
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The incident has raised renewed concerns over the use of firearms at political gatherings and the need for stricter enforcement of election campaign regulations in the region.