Authorities have intensified accountability measures after the Skardu riots police dismissals, removing 18 police officers from service following a departmental inquiry into the March 1 violence in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to a police spokesperson, the dismissals include one inspector, two sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables. The Regional Police Officer for Baltistan issued the orders after reviewing the inquiry findings, which pointed to alleged negligence in handling the unrest.
Officials identified the dismissed personnel as Inspector Muhammad Anwar, Sub-Inspectors Tahir Ahmed Khan and Shakeel Ahmed, along with several head constables and constables. The list also includes names such as Zahir Hussain, Kacho Muhammad Iqbal, Iftikhar Ali, Zulqarnain Rafi, Jalil Hussain, and Muhammad Kazim.
Police said the dismissed officers have the legal right to challenge the decision. A spokesperson stated that they may appeal to the Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan within the stipulated period.
The violence broke out in Gilgit and Skardu after reports circulated about the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader during foreign attacks. The unrest quickly escalated into clashes that killed at least 20 people, including two security officials.
Protesters also set fire to several properties during the riots. The damaged sites included security offices, a school, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme building, an IT park, homes of police officials, and United Nations offices in Skardu. Authorities then imposed a multi-day curfew to contain the situation and restore order.
Alongside the departmental action, a three-member judicial commission continues to investigate the Skardu riots. The Gilgit-Baltistan government formed the panel on March 17 to examine the causes of the unrest, assess property damage, and determine responsibility for the loss of life.
Justice Malik Inayatur Rehman chairs the commission, while Justices Johar Ali Khan and Jahanzeb Khan serve as members. Officials said the panel has already visited key sites, recorded statements from officials, and received requests from around 10 citizens who want to present their accounts.
Officials say the inquiry will proceed transparently and impartially. They have emphasised that maintaining peace and strengthening institutional accountability remain top priorities as the investigation continues.
