CTD warns extremist groups exploit young, educated individuals despite decline in attacks
QUETTA:
Law enforcement agencies arrested a key terrorism suspect in Balochistan and recovered a bulletproof vest and sophisticated weapons, as provincial authorities claimed more than 700 militants were killed in more than 90,000 intelligence operations carried out across the province last year.
The revelations were made at a joint press conference addressed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan Hamza Shafqat and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya.
Officials said security forces carried out around 90,000 intelligence operations in 2025, resulting in the deaths of more than 700 terrorists. They added that more than 400 security forces and civilians also lost their lives during the year.
Hamza Shafqat said that a notable decline in terrorist incidents was recorded in 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 “Zone A”, a move aimed at speeding up security and law enforcement operations.
The most important 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 organization. He would have been involved in activities of recognition, facilitation and recruitment of young people for activist networks.
Authorities said a suicide vest, sophisticated weapons and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered from his vehicle at the time of his arrest. The weapons were transported from Panjgur to Turbat.
CTD officials said the suspect 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 allegedly 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 used to radicalize young people before integrating them into armed militant groups.
In related operations, 18-year-old Sarfaraz was arrested from Kharan. Authorities said he may have been involved in reconnaissance activities.
Another suspect, Jahanzaib, also known as Mehrbaan, aged 20, was also arrested. According to CTD officials, he was involved in Sarfaraz’s recruitment and facilitated the movement of funds and supplies.
An 18-year-old identified as Bezan was also arrested. CTD officials claimed he was inducted through the same network and was later associated with a banned militant group.
Authorities said militant groups increasingly exploited 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 their operations to dismantle these networks.
Officials called the arrests a significant development in efforts to counter militancy in Balochistan and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
