CTD warns that extremist groups are exploiting young and educated people despite a drop in attacks
QUETTA:
Law enforcement agencies have arrested a key terror suspect in Balochistan and recovered a suicide vest and advanced weapons, as provincial authorities claimed more than 700 militants were killed in over 90,000 intelligence-led operations conducted 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.
Officials said security forces conducted about 90,000 intelligence-based operations by 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 that a noticeable decrease 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 by March.
He also said the entire province had been declared an “A area”, a move 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 teacher at the University of Turbat.
According to DIG Goraya, Sajid Ahmad is a resident of Turbat and was associated with a banned militant organisation. He was allegedly involved in reconnaissance, facilitation and recruitment of youths into militant networks.
Authorities said a suicide vest, sophisticated weapons and a large amount of ammunition were recovered from his vehicle at the time of the arrest. The weapons were transported from Panjgur to Turbat.
CTD officials claimed that the suspect had remained in touch with a commander of a banned militant organization in Afghanistan. They also claimed that he had links with the Baloch Youth Committee, while the recovered weapons were allegedly smuggled into Pakistan from Iran.
DIG Goraya warned that educated individuals were increasingly drawn into militancy. He alleged that platforms like the Baloch Youth Committee were used to radicalize young people before they were recruited 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 recruited through the same network and was later linked to a banned militant outfit.
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 continued 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.
