QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested four suspected terrorists, including a former university lecturer, during separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, officials said on Thursday.
The details were shared by DIG CTD Balochistan Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya while addressing a joint press conference with Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat.
According to officials, the arrested suspects have alleged links with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), raising concerns over the group’s involvement in militant activities in the province.
Mr Shafqaat said that more than 730 counter-terrorism operations were conducted across Balochistan last year. He added that the provincial government has established a new counter-terrorism institution to further strengthen internal security, with its branches being set up in all districts.
He said police writ had been established across the province and noted a marked decline in terrorist incidents over the past three months.
DIG Goraya said a major operation was carried out in Panjgur, resulting in the arrest of Sajid Ahmed, described as a key suspect. He said the suspect was intercepted while transporting a large cache of weapons from Panjgur to Turbat.
According to CTD officials, Sajid Ahmed is a graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad and had previously served as a lecturer at the University of Turbat. He was also allegedly involved in disseminating propaganda and material of proscribed organisations on social media.
The DIG added that the suspect’s sister-in-law is an active worker of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.
CTD officials said three more suspects were arrested in separate operations. They were identified as 18-year-old Sarfaraz, a resident of Kharan; Jahanzaib Mehrban, described as an activist of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) Brohi; and another suspect identified as Bezal.
Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects, and further investigations are underway to identify their facilitators and dismantle the network, officials said.
