CTD warns that extremist groups are exploiting youth and educated individuals despite a decline in attacks
QUETTA:
Security forces arrested a key terrorist — a former university teacher linked to a banned organisation — during an operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, recovering a suicide jacket and a cache of sophisticated weapons, officials said.
The arrest and recoveries were disclosed during a joint press conference addressed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan Hamza Shafqat and Deputy Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya.
DIG Goraya said the suspect, Sajid Ahmed — also known as Shahwaiz — was a resident of Turbat and had previously served as a teacher at the University of Turbat. A graduate of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, he was affiliated with a banned terrorist organisation and was allegedly involved in reconnaissance, facilitation and the recruitment of young people for militant networks.
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Authorities said a suicide jacket, sophisticated weapons and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle at the time of arrest. The weapons were reportedly being transported from Panjgur to Turbat.
According to CTD officials, the suspect had remained in contact with a commander of a banned terrorist organisation based in Afghanistan. They further alleged that he had links with the Baloch Youth Committee, while the recovered weapons were said to have been smuggled into Pakistan from Iran.
DIG Goraya warned that educated individuals were increasingly being drawn into militancy, alleging that platforms such as the Baloch Youth Committee were being used to radicalise young people before inducting them into armed groups.
In related operations, an 18-year-old identified as Sarfaraz was arrested from Kharan for his alleged involvement in reconnaissance activities. Another suspect, Jahanzaib — also known as Mehrbaan, aged 20 — was also taken into custody. CTD officials said he was involved in recruiting Sarfaraz and facilitating the movement of funds and supplies.
An additional suspect, 18-year-old Bezan, was also arrested. Officials alleged he was inducted through the same network and later became associated with a banned militant outfit.
Authorities said terrorist groups were increasingly exploiting young people and that a well-organised network was operating behind the recruitment and indoctrination process. They added that CTD and other law enforcement agencies were continuing operations to dismantle such networks.
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Officials termed the arrests a significant development in counterterrorism efforts in Balochistan and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
Providing an overview of last year’s security operations, officials said security forces conducted around 90,000 intelligence-based operations in 2025, resulting in the killing of more than 700 militants. They added that over 400 security personnel and civilians also lost their lives during the year.
Hamza Shafqat said a noticeable decline in terrorist incidents had been recorded during the last three months of 2025. He also announced that the National Forensic and Technical Investigation Commission (NEFTIC) would become fully operational across all districts of Balochistan by March.
He further said the entire province had been declared an “A Area” to expedite security and law enforcement operations.
