Islamabad, Pakistan (Azadi Times): Gilaman Wazir, a senior leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), has succumbed to his injuries following an attack in Islamabad. Wazir, known for his influential role in PTM, was assaulted on Saturday night. His colleagues had named Azad Dawar, a leader from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his associates, as the perpetrators.
The assault left Wazir with severe head and body injuries, leading to his hospitalization at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, where he passed away on Wednesday night.
According to the FIR, a dispute between Wazir and Dawar arose after a vehicle collision on the first day of Eid. This altercation escalated, resulting in Wazir being attacked with sticks by Dawar and his companions in Islamabad.
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PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen announced Wazir’s death to the gathered supporters at the hospital.
Who Was Gilaman Wazir?
Born Hazrat Naeem, Gilaman Wazir hailed from the tribal district of North Waziristan, near the Afghan border. He was widely recognized among the Pashtun community globally. After Manzoor Pashteen and Ali Wazir, he was considered one of PTM’s key leaders.
Wazir came from a very poor family in the Asad Khel area of Razmak Tehsil. He was residing in Bahrain in 2018 when Manzoor Pashteen and Ali Wazir founded PTM.
According to PTM leader Alamzeb Mehsud, during his time in Bahrain, Wazir not only joined PTM but also returned to Pakistan to participate in various rallies, where he recited revolutionary poetry and speeches.
Arrest through Interpol
Wazir’s prominence within PTM led the Pakistani government to seek his arrest through Interpol. He was arrested in Bahrain on February 6, 2020, and transferred to Pakistan on March 8, 2020.
He was accused of inciting anti-state sentiments through his poetry and statements and of funding PTM while living in Bahrain. According to PTM leader Eid Rahman, Wazir was arrested multiple times between 2020 and 2023. He spent more than six months in the custody of security agencies, during which he was detained in jails in Peshawar, Bannu, and Multan.
PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen stated that several friends of Azad Dawar attacked Wazir in Islamabad, causing injuries that the local doctors could not treat effectively. A travel ban was also imposed on him.
Pashteen had earlier released a video statement about Wazir’s deteriorating health at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad.
Case Registered in Islamabad
A case was registered at the Sangjani police station in Islamabad against Azad Dawar and his associates for the attack on Wazir.
Sangjani Police Station SHO Ashiq Khan stated on July 10 that the suspect had been identified, and CCTV footage had been obtained. However, the suspect is absconding, and efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
The police officer informed the media that attempts are being made to send police to North Waziristan to arrest the suspects, but permission to enter Waziristan has not yet been granted.
Legal and Political Background
Cases against Wazir and other PTM members were filed in 2019, leading to an Interpol request on January 27, 2020. Based on this request, Wazir was arrested in Bahrain on February 6, 2020.
He was transferred to Pakistan on March 8, 2020, and handed over to security agencies. Wazir spent nearly two years in jail and was released on court orders.
According to PTM leaders, Wazir’s body will be transported to North Waziristan, with stops along the way for people to pay their respects.
