The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested four terrorists, including a former university lecturer, in multiple intelligence-based operations across Balochistan, senior officials confirmed on Thursday.
The arrests were announced during a joint press conference addressed by Counter Terrorism Department Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Goraya and Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan.
Panjgur Operation: Educated Terrorist Facilitator Arrested
DIG Goraya said a major CTD operation in Panjgur resulted in the arrest of Sajid Ahmed alias Shahwaiz, a resident of Turbat, who was actively transporting a large consignment of weapons and explosives for terrorist use.
According to CTD, Sajid held a Master’s degree in Sociology from International Islamic University Islamabad and had previously served as a lecturer at the University of Turbat after working at Zubaida Jalal Government College.
Investigations established that Sajid was a trained and operational member of proscribed terrorist outfits, including the Baloch Liberation Army and the Baloch Liberation Front.
BYC Used as Recruitment and Radicalisation Platform
DIG Goraya stated unequivocally that Sajid and other arrested terrorists were part of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and used its platform to radicalise youth, organise protests, spread subversive propaganda, and facilitate recruitment for armed terrorist networks.
“Every individual arrested in this case had direct operational or facilitation links that passed through BYC,” Goraya said, adding that Sajid remained in constant contact with BYC leadership and was actively involved in ideological grooming and online mobilisation.
CTD officials said Sajid also authored extremist literature, coordinated social media propaganda, and helped induct multiple individuals into BYC before moving them into armed groups.
Large Cache of Weapons Recovered
The CTD recovered a significant quantity of sophisticated weaponry from Sajid’s vehicle, including:
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Rocket-propelled grenade launcher and rockets
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Two M-16 rifles with 23 magazines and approximately 800 rounds
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20 hand grenades with fuses
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30 slabs of C-4 explosives
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UBGL rounds, detonating cord, remote controls, helmets, and reconnaissance equipment
DIG Goraya said Sajid had conducted detailed reconnaissance of sensitive installations in Turbat, including the CTD complex, airport access routes, and a high court building under construction, sharing the information with handlers based outside Pakistan.
Three More BYC-Linked Terrorists Arrested
CTD also arrested three additional terrorists in separate operations:
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Sarfaraz (18) from Kharan, tasked with surveillance of police and polio teams after being inducted through BYC activities.
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Jahanzaib alias Mehrban (20), identified as a key recruiter and logistics handler, involved in reconnaissance, transportation of extortion funds, and organising BYC roadblocks and protests.
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Bezan, who was first inducted into BYC and later joined the BLA; his brother had previously been killed during an attack on Levies personnel.
According to CTD, these terrorists were deliberately used due to their age and background to avoid scrutiny while conducting intelligence gathering and logistical tasks.
Declining Terror Incidents, New Security Measures
Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat said more than 730 counter-terrorism operations were carried out across Balochistan last year, leading to a marked decline in terrorist incidents over the past three months.
He announced the strengthening of CTD through a new provincial counter-terrorism institution with district-level branches and confirmed that the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre is fully operational, with district expansion planned by March.
Action Against Overseas Terror Facilitators
Shafqaat also revealed that a Red Notice Cell has been activated to pursue over 100 individuals abroad allegedly involved in terrorism financing, propaganda, and coordination against Pakistan, following due legal and judicial processes.
Rehabilitation and Legal Reforms
DIG Goraya said underage terrorists would be placed in rehabilitation centres in Quetta and Turbat for psychological de-radicalisation and reintegration, while adults would face prosecution under anti-terrorism laws. He added that recent amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act and the upcoming launch of faceless courts would further strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
