CTD warns that extremist groups are exploiting young people and educated people despite the decrease in attacks
QUETA:
Law enforcement agencies arrested a key terror suspect in Balochistan and recovered a suicide vest and advanced weapons, as provincial authorities claimed that more than 700 militants were killed in more than 90,000 intelligence-based operations carried out across the province last year.
The revelations 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.
Authorities said security forces carried out around 90,000 intelligence-based operations in 2025, resulting in the deaths of more than 700 terrorists. They added that more than 400 security personnel and civilians also lost their lives during the year.
Hamza Shafqat said that a notable 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 in all districts of Balochistan in March.
He also said the entire province had been declared “Area A,” a measure aimed at speeding up 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 professor at Turbat University.
According to DIG Goraya, Sajid Ahmad resides in Turbat and was affiliated with a banned militant organisation. He was allegedly involved in reconnaissance, facilitation and recruitment of youth into militant networks.
Authorities said a suicide vest, sophisticated weapons and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered from his vehicle at the time of the 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 organization 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 more and more educated people were being drawn into militancy. He alleged that platforms like the Baloch Youth Committee were being used to radicalize youth before inducting them into armed militant groups.
In related operations, Sarfaraz, an 18-year-old youth, was arrested from Kharan. Authorities said he was allegedly involved in reconnaissance activities.
Another suspect, Jahanzaib, also known as Mehrbaan, 20, was also detained. According to CTD officials, he was involved in recruiting Sarfaraz and facilitating the movement of funds and supplies.
An 18-year-old man identified as Bezan was also arrested. CTD officials alleged that he was recruited through the same network and later associated with a banned militant group.
Authorities said militant groups were increasingly exploiting young people and that a well-organized network operated behind the recruitment and indoctrination process. They added that the CTD and other agencies were continuing operations to dismantle these networks.
Officials termed the arrests as a significant development in efforts to counter militancy in Balochistan and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
