Hajira, Azad Jammu Kashmir (PaJK) – A tragic incident occurred on July 9, involving the murder of a young Kashmiri man, Usama Tariq, in the Kashmir Colony of Gujranwala, Pakistan.

Usama, who hailed from the village of Panakha Kathiara near Hajira, Poonch, Azad Kaahmir, (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) was the nephew of Khawaja Pervez, a retired teacher.

According to initial reports, Usama Tariq was leaving his residence for Asr prayers when two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on him, leaving him critically injured.

Despite his struggle, the perpetrators managed to flee the scene. The motive behind the attack is believed to be linked to regional enmity between Punjabis and Sindhis, leading to the targeted killing of a Kashmiri youth.

The Kashmiri community has strongly condemned this act of violence, expressing concern over the frequent targeting of Kashmiris in various parts of Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Wah Cantt, and now Gujranwala. This brutal incident has left Usama’s family devastated, losing their young son in an instant.

The community has called on the Punjab government and Gujranwala authorities to take immediate action in tracing and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous crime. They demand justice for Usama Tariq and the safety of Kashmiri individuals residing in Punjab.

In recent years, the trend of violence against Kashmiris in Punjab has been alarming. In 2023 alone, 96 Kashmiris were killed in the Pakistan, with 18 such incidents reported in 2024 to date.

This incident follows another tragic event where a young man from Hajira Phagwati was killed at Patan while resisting robbers. His murderers are currently in the custody of Kahuta police.

The Kashmiri community stands in solidarity with the grieving family of Usama Tariq, praying for his forgiveness and strength for his loved ones. They urge everyone to raise their voices against such atrocities to prevent future incidents.