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