Afghan Terror suspect arrested in joint intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Security forces and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have arrested an Afghan national suspected of involvement in terrorist activities

PESHAWAR:  Security forces and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have arrested an Afghan national suspected of involvement in terrorist activities during a joint intelligence-based operation, marking a significant development in the province’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign.

The arrested individual has been identified as Hikmatullah, alias Hamza, a resident of Village Mangriyal in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province. Officials said the operation was conducted following the receipt of credible intelligence regarding the presence of a suspected foreign militant operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The arrest was disclosed during a joint press conference in Peshawar addressed by Regional Development Council (RDC) Advisor for Information Mahmood Jan Babar and Additional Inspector General of Police Abbas Ahsan.

Details of the Operation

According to the official briefing, security agencies received intelligence about the suspected terrorist’s presence in the province and subsequently launched a coordinated operation to apprehend him.

The joint team successfully arrested Hikmatullah alive. Officials described the development as an important breakthrough in efforts to disrupt militant networks and strengthen security across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The operation forms part of intensified intelligence-based activities targeting Fitna al-Khawarij, foreign-linked militant elements and their alleged support networks.

Security sources said the suspect had reportedly entered Pakistan illegally and was operating with assistance from local facilitators. His alleged infiltration route and connections are now being examined by investigators.

Suspect Reveals Alleged Facilitation Network

During preliminary interrogation, Hikmatullah reportedly provided information about individuals allegedly facilitating his activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan.

Officials believe these disclosures could help investigators identify additional members of the suspected network and lead to further intelligence-based operations and arrests.

Investigators are also examining his alleged links with militant organisations, possible funding arrangements, routes used to enter Pakistan and any involvement in terrorist incidents.

Joint interrogation teams are continuing their investigation to establish the extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have assisted him.

Officials Highlight Security Coordination

Addressing the press conference, Advisor for Information Mahmood Jan Babar and Additional IGP Abbas Ahsan highlighted the coordination between security forces and provincial police in counterterrorism operations.

They said intelligence sharing had been strengthened to improve the effectiveness of operations against militant elements and their facilitators.

Officials maintained that the arrest represented an important achievement in efforts to restore lasting peace in the province. They also said security arrangements had been reinforced and operations would continue against suspected militants and their support networks.

The police and security forces remain on high alert, with authorities reiterating that individuals providing assistance to terrorist organisations would also face action under the law.

Cross-Border Security Concerns

Afghanistan’s Paktika Province shares a border with Pakistan and has remained an important area in discussions surrounding cross-border militant movement.

The arrest of a suspected militant reportedly belonging to the region has renewed attention on border security and alleged networks operating across the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face security challenges because of its geographical proximity to Afghanistan and the activities of militant groups in border districts.

Investigation Continues

Hikmatullah remains in the custody of relevant security agencies, while investigators are examining the information obtained during preliminary interrogation.

Officials expect further intelligence-based operations as investigators pursue the alleged facilitators and connections identified during questioning.

Additional details regarding the suspect’s affiliations, alleged activities and possible involvement in specific incidents are expected following the completion of the investigation.