QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested four suspected terrorists during separate intelligence-based operations in different parts of Balochistan, officials confirmed on Thursday. Among those arrested is a former university lecturer, highlighting growing concerns over the involvement of educated individuals in extremist activities in the province.
The details were shared by DIG CTD Balochistan Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya during a joint press conference with Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat in Quetta. The officials stated that all four suspects are believed to have links with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), raising serious questions about the group’s alleged role in facilitating or supporting militant activities.
According to Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat, the provincial government conducted more than 730 counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan during the past year. He said these sustained efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in the security situation, with terrorist incidents significantly declining over the last three months. He also announced the establishment of a new counter-terrorism institution aimed at further strengthening internal security, with branches being set up in every district of the province.
Shafqaat emphasized that the writ of the police has been established throughout Balochistan and that law enforcement agencies remain committed to maintaining peace and stability. He added that intelligence-based operations would continue to dismantle militant networks and prevent future attacks.
DIG CTD Aetzaz Goraya revealed that a major operation was carried out in Panjgur, where a key suspect, Sajid Ahmed, was arrested while transporting a large cache of weapons from Panjgur to Turbat. Sajid Ahmed is a graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad and had previously served as a lecturer at the University of Turbat. Authorities said he was also actively involved in spreading propaganda and content linked to proscribed organizations on social media platforms.
CTD officials further disclosed that Sajid Ahmed’s sister-in-law is an active member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, strengthening suspicions of organized networks operating in the region.
In separate operations, CTD arrested three additional suspects, including 18-year-old Sarfaraz from Kharan, Jahanzaib Mehrban, an activist of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) Brohi, and another individual identified as Bezal. Officials said these arrests were made based on credible intelligence regarding their involvement in terrorist-related activities.
Cases have been registered against all the arrested suspects, and further investigations are underway to identify their facilitators and dismantle their wider networks. Authorities reiterated that counter-terrorism operations will continue across Balochistan to ensure long-term peace and security for the province’s residents.
