DERA ISMAIL KHAN – In a major counter terrorism success ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Dera Ismail Khan, in a joint operation with district police and intelligence agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack and arrested four militants of the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (Bali Khaiara Group).
District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada, flanked by SP CTD Dera Iftikhar Ali Shah, SP City Ali Hamza, and SP Paharpur Asad Ali Shah, briefed the media on the operation. Acting on intelligence, law enforcement conducted an intelligence-based raid in the Muthi Baghwani area, under the jurisdiction of Gomal University Police Station.
The arrested suspects were identified as:
1. Umar Farooq, son of Fida Hussain, resident of Bhatisar, Tehsil Paharpur
2. Asif Ali, son of Hafiz Falak Sher Chauhan, resident of Umar Farooq Town
3. Hussnain Muawiya, son of Muhammad Suleman, resident of Paharpur
4. Hidayatullah, son of Muhammad Naseer Baloch, resident of Garah Mitt
According to the DPO, the militants had previously been involved in attacks that killed more than a dozen innocent civilians and police personnel.They were allegedly plotting a major terror strike on August 14 celebrations.
Recovered items from their possession include:
One ready to use Improvised Explosive Device (IED) with magnet, AC/DC circuit, and prima cord
One 9mm pistol
One 30-bore Mauser in the form of an SMG rifle (Pakistan made)
3 magazines
28 rounds of ammunition
3 hand grenades
6 non-electric detonators without safety fuses
9 electric detonators
10 yards of safety fuse
2 non-electric detonators with safety fuse
250 grams of explosive material
5 AGL grenades
2 simple mobile phones
3 touch-screen mobile phones with 4 SIM cards
Following the arrests, a case has been registered at the CTD Police Station under anti-terrorism and other relevant laws.Further investigation is underway to uncover the group’s wider network and prevent any future attacks.
DPO Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada praised the coordinated efforts of the CTD, district police, and intelligence agencies, stating that their timely action saved numerous lives and thwarted a significant threat to national security on the eve of Independence Day.
