PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa counter-terrorism department has confirmed that Islamabad and Kabul are in contact with each other to address the issue of militants fleeing to Afghanistan after carrying out activities in Pakistan. Additional Inspector-General and Head of the CTD’s KP chapter, Shaukat Abbas, revealed this during a briefing to reporters.
Abbas stated, “There is a state-to-state contact [between Pakistan and Afghanistan] to work out a solution [regarding the escape of militants to Afghanistan]. Very serious negotiations are underway.” He also mentioned that the department had located relatives of the suicide bomber responsible for the attack on a security forces vehicle in Bajaur in August.
Efforts to Bust the Network
While some individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack on a JUI-F workers’ convention, the network has not been fully identified yet. Mr. Abbas indicated that the suicide bomber was very likely an Afghan national. He further revealed the existence of a sleeper cell of militants active in the Swabi district for several years.
Identification of Suspects
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CTD obtained CCTV camera footage of an attack on police officials in Swabi. Arshad, a suspected militant and resident of the district, was arrested. During interrogation, Arshad identified Ataullah and Sher Ali in the CCTV footage as his associates involved in the attack.
Arrests and Recovery of Weapons
Following Arshad’s identification, Sher Ali was apprehended, and a hand grenade and pistol were recovered from him. Both suspected militants are affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Saifullah Group. The authorities are actively working to apprehend the remaining two suspects, Ataullah and Aqib.
Mastermind Identified
According to Mr. Abbas, the mastermind behind the militant activities is a man named Abideen, who is currently in Afghanistan. Abideen is Ataullah’s brother, and Ataullah is a member of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Mohsin Qadir group. He further revealed that Ataullah, a local seminary cleric, was involved in brainwashing seminarians. Ataullah grew up in Pakistan and later traveled to Afghanistan.
Police Officer Martyred
In a separate incident, police sub-inspector Gul Jalal, who was posted at the Police Assistance Lines in Peshawar, succumbed to bullet injuries. His funeral was held at Peshawar’s police headquarters.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Militancy
The cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul demonstrates their commitment to address the issue of militants seeking refuge in Afghanistan. Through regular communication and negotiations, both countries aim to find a solution to this ongoing problem. The efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa counter-terrorism department in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in recent attacks highlight the commitment to maintain peace and security in the region.