Authorities in Balochistan have arrested three suspects, including a militant affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the provincial government reiterated concerns over cross-border terrorism and use of Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference at the Civil Secretariat, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said that anti-state elements were actively engaged in destabilising Pakistan, warning that the country possessed the full capability to counter such threats.
Re-Arrest of Militant Linked to FC Killings
Officials confirmed that the arrested militant, identified as Habibullah alias Lalu, was apprehended from the Kuchlak area. He had previously been detained but was released after being mistakenly identified as a civilian.
According to authorities, following his release, Habibullah rejoined militant activities and was involved in the killing of two Frontier Corps (FC) personnel.
Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat revealed that the suspect’s brother was a commander within the banned TTP, while the group itself was reportedly led by an individual known as “Muslim”.
Afghan Territory Allegedly Used for Terror Activities
The home minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position, stating that Islamabad had repeatedly urged Kabul not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities.
“Pakistan harbours no hostility towards Afghanistan, but any aggression against the country will be met with a strong response,” Langove said.
He alleged that proxy elements were exploiting Afghan soil to create unrest in Pakistan, clarifying that state actions were directed against terrorism and not Afghan citizens.
Thousands of Intelligence-Based Operations Conducted
Highlighting counter-terrorism efforts, officials said thousands of intelligence-based operations had been conducted across Balochistan over the past year.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Counter-Terrorism Department, Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, confirmed that a case had been registered against the suspect and that he would be presented before a court of law.
Authorities further claimed that:
- The arrested militant received training in Afghanistan
- Afghan nationals had allegedly been involved in multiple terrorist incidents
- Militant networks were operating from across the border
Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Nationals
Shafqaat stated that as part of a broader crackdown, approximately 960,000 Afghan nationals had been deported so far.
He added that the One Document Regime had been fully implemented across Balochistan to regulate cross-border movement and dismantle terrorist networks.
Security officials also revealed that drone surveillance had been used to clear thousands of acres of land, eliminating suspected militant hideouts.
Government Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Balochistan government reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, stating that security forces were working around the clock to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and protect its citizens.
“The region is facing a war-like situation, and efforts are underway to destabilise Pakistan,” the home minister said, adding that decisive action would continue against all anti-state elements.
