Mufti Shah Mir, Pakistani cleric accused in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, shot dead—Who was behind it?

Mufti Shah Mir, a controversial religious leader from Balochistan, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Turbat town of Kech late on March 7. Mir, who was reportedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the kidnapping of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, was attacked outside a mosque after performing night prayers.

Local police confirmed that Mir was ambushed by armed men on motorcycles, who fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to Turbat Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, but it marks the latest in a series of targeted killings in the region.

Who Was Mufti Shah Mir?

Mir was closely associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), a hardline Islamic political party in Pakistan. His death follows the recent assassinations of two JUI-F leaders in Khuzdar, raising speculation about internal conflicts or broader security concerns in Balochistan.

Mir had survived at least two previous assassination attempts, highlighting the risks surrounding his activities. His reported involvement in Kulbhushan Jadhav’s kidnapping positioned him at the center of a diplomatic dispute between India and Pakistan.

Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: A Diplomatic Flashpoint

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was operating a business in Iran’s Chabahar when he was abducted in 2016 near the Iran-Pakistan border. Pakistan accused him of espionage and terrorism, convicting him in a 2017 military court trial that was widely criticized for its lack of transparency. He remains imprisoned in Pakistan on death row.

India has repeatedly condemned the proceedings, arguing that Jadhav was denied a fair trial and legal representation. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened, staying his execution and ordering Pakistan to provide consular access. Despite these rulings, Jadhav’s legal status remains unresolved, fueling continued diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

A Pattern of Targeted Killings in Pakistan

Mir’s assassination is part of a larger trend of politically motivated violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. The province has seen increasing unrest, with separatist movements, religious extremism, and geopolitical rivalries contributing to a volatile security landscape.

His association with JUI-F raises additional questions, given the recent killings of party members. While authorities have not officially linked the incidents, speculation suggests a broader crackdown on extremist elements or factional rivalries within religious and political circles.

Implications for India-Pakistan Relations

The timing of Mir’s assassination, given his alleged role in Kulbhushan Jadhav’s abduction, could reignite tensions between India and Pakistan. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of using covert operations against Indian nationals, while Pakistan maintains its stance on Jadhav’s conviction.

With no official claim of responsibility for Mir’s killing, various theories are circulating—ranging from intelligence-led operations to rival factions settling scores. The incident underscores the persistent instability in Pakistan’s security apparatus and the wider geopolitical risks in the region.

What Happens Next?

The Pakistani government has yet to release any official statement on Mir’s assassination, while Indian officials continue to press for updates on Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case. Given the sensitive nature of both incidents, further diplomatic engagements and legal challenges are likely in the coming months.

The situation also raises broader concerns about targeted killings in Pakistan, the role of extremist groups, and the geopolitical tensions shaping South Asian security dynamics.