Assassins of leading Shiite Cleric Agha Ziauddin escape from a jail in Gilgit

Two high value prisoners have reportedly escaped from a jail in Gilgit city. According to reports the two persons, identified as Shakir Ullah Jan and Arifuddin, escaped when the security officials fell unconscious after drinking “intoxicated tea”.

Shakir Ullah Jan, a resident of the Tribal Areas, is believed to be a key suspect in the murder case of leader of Shia Muslims of Gilgit-Baltistan Shaheed Agha Ziauddin Rizvi, who was assassinated on 8th January 2005 in Gilgit city. Murder of the prominent Shia cleric had triggered violent protests in the city, leading to the death of at least 18 people, including key government officials.
The law enforcing agencies had ordered closure of the entry and exit points of Gilgit city to arrest the terrorists.