CTD announces major terrorist arrest, details Balochistan crackdown

WEB DESK:  Security officials delivered a comprehensive briefing on Thursday, detailing a sustained counter-terrorism campaign in Balochistan that has significantly degraded militant networks, led to the arrest of a highly educated terrorist, and resulted in over 730 insurgents killed in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) last year.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) disclosed that approximately 400 individuals, including law enforcement personnel and civilians, were martyred during the same period. While acknowledging a spike in terrorist incidents during October and November 2024, officials reported a notable downward trend in attacks over the last three months.

Senior officials attributed this progress to a series of decisive measures. A key initiative is the establishment of the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Targeting Centre (PIFTAC), operational since December 2024, which has enhanced coordination. The entire province has now been classified as a ‘Policing Category A’ area, allowing for more robust security deployments.

Legal frameworks have also been strengthened with two amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act and the creation of ‘Faceless Courts’ to protect judicial proceedings.

Major Arrest and Network Revealed

The briefing highlighted a major operation in Panjgur leading to the arrest of a key terrorist, Sajid Ahmed alias Shah Wazir. The suspect, who held a Master’s degree in Sociology from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and had worked as a professor at Zubaida Jalal College for three years, was even drawing a government salary.

A significant cache of weapons was recovered from him, including RPGs, rockets, M16 rifles, hand grenades, explosives, and suicide jackets. Investigations revealed Sajid Ahmed was linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), as well as the Baloch Solidarity Committee.

Crucially, intelligence uncovered that he used Google Maps to share locations of sensitive sites with an operative named Dostain, based in a neighbouring country. He had also traveled to that country with associates. An 18-year-old accomplice, Sarfaraz from Kharan, was also arrested for his role in organizing roadblocks and conducting police reconnaissance.

Focus on Youth Rehabilitation and Propaganda

Officials forcefully countered narratives that insurgent groups avoid using children. They stated a systematic network actively recruits youth through fronts like the Baloch Youth Council (BYC). In response, the government is establishing Rehabilitation Centers to de-radicalize and reintegrate such youth into society as productive citizens.

“Their minds have been poisoned towards terrorism. We want to rehabilitate them and make them active citizens,” a senior CTD official stated.

To counter external support, authorities confirmed that a Red Notice Cell is now active and lists of individuals engaged in anti-state propaganda have been compiled. The process to secure Interpol notices against terrorists based abroad, through court orders, is underway.

Experts: A Refocused and Multi-Dimensional Strategy

Security analysts present viewed the briefing as evidence that the National Action Plan has been effectively revitalized in Balochistan under a clear ‘resolve for stability’ vision. They cited the drop in terrorism, the creation of PIFTAC, the province-wide A-category policing status, legal reforms, and Faceless Courts as critical steps.

Experts concluded that the state is now pursuing a sustainable, multi-dimensional strategy to dismantle terrorist networks and their facilitators, with the establishment of rehab centers being a particularly welcome move to prevent the exploitation of young people.

Web Desk