According to police, the attacker arrived armed with a pistol, lay in wait outside the lecture venue, and suddenly opened fire toward the building. Security staff deployed at the site responded immediately, neutralising the gunman in a swift exchange.

Mirza, 48, was the apparent target of the attack but remained unharmed as the assailant failed to breach the academy’s security.

During the incident, a member of Mirza’s security team sustained injuries, while a police constable was shot in the foot and shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Jhelum. Authorities said the injured constable is in stable condition and out of danger.

The attack has raised fresh concerns over security, particularly given Mirza’s history of facing threats and controversy. Police said security was already in place at the venue, but additional reinforcements will now be deployed.

Investigations are underway to identify the attacker, with authorities seeking assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Mirza has previously faced detentions and restrictions over some of his statements, amid concerns that his views could trigger unrest, adding further context to the latest incident.