GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Police, GB Scouts and Pakistan Army are continuing clearance operations in Thor Valley, Diamer district, to destroy “terrorist hideouts” and illegal opium crops, officials said Saturday. The operation comes as the police force memorialised three officers martyred in an ambush on April 13.
On April 13-14, it may be recalled, unidentified assailants opened fire on a police vehicle returning from Thor village after the second phase of an anti-poppy cultivation drive. Three policemen — Abdul Reheem Jami, Muqabil Shah and Hazratullah Musa — were martyred in the attack. Five others, including DSP Faqeer Muhammad, were injured and shifted to Chilas Regional Headquarters Hospital. Three of the wounded underwent surgical intervention and were later declared out of danger.
Around five to six suspects used automatic weapons to target the team while they were destroying the crop, Mir said. An exchange of fire continued for several hours.
Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad condemned the incident as a “militant attack” and sought a detailed report from authorities.
Following the attack, police launched combing operations in Shitan Nala valley of Thor. Inspector General of GB Police Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, who assumed charge on February 4, 2026, said the mission was to “free future generations from drugs” and would continue until perpetrators were brought to justice.
By April 17, 15 suspects and facilitators had been arrested from various locations.
Police said 12 to 14 suspects were detained during searches in Shitan Nala.
Gilgit was placed on high alert after threats to security installations. Checkpoints were established at all entry and exit points of the city.
The ambush sparked criticism over operational preparedness. Diamer Press Club president Muhammad Qasim alleged in a viral post that only four officers carried firearms while others had sticks during the anti-poppy operation. He demanded an inquiry into negligence by SP Diamer.
The post drew mixed reactions online, with users praising the operation’s resolve while others called for accountability and an FIR against “unknown persons”.
Officials say illegal poppy cultivation persists in GB’s remote valleys due to economic hardship, limited agricultural alternatives, and the presence of trafficking networks.
Rugged terrain often makes it difficult for authorities to access remote areas, allowing small-scale farmers to grow poppy as a high-value cash crop compared to traditional produce.
