ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have successfully dismantled a terrorist network aiming to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and attack Chinese nationals in the country, announced Balochistan’s Home Minister, Zia Ullah Langau.
The operation, conducted based on intelligence inputs, led to the arrest of two key leaders: Nasrullah alias Maulvi Mansoor and Commander Idrees alias Irshad. These arrests highlight the involvement of the Indian intelligence agency RAW and other hostile foreign forces in supporting terrorist activities in Pakistan, Langau stated during a press conference on Wednesday.
Revelations from the Arrests:
Langau presented a video statement from Nasrullah, who confessed to his 16-year association with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and detailed his involvement in numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. Nasrullah admitted to fleeing to Afghanistan after Pakistan’s Zarb-e-Azb operation in 2014 and continuing his terrorist activities from Paktika province.
Nasrullah revealed that the TTP had formed an alliance with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), with substantial support from India. This nexus was orchestrated to sabotage development projects, particularly the CPEC, and target Chinese nationals working on these initiatives. Additionally, their objectives included fueling kidnappings, spreading fear, and creating unrest in Balochistan.
Foreign Hostile Forces’ Involvement:
Langau accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW, of being the mastermind behind these terrorist operations, seeking to destabilize Pakistan by merging the TTP and BLA and establishing terror havens within the country. He also implicated the Afghan government, alleging their financial and logistical support to the TTP, thus facilitating terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Call for Vigilance:
The minister urged the youth to be wary of foreign manipulation and not fall prey to extremist ideologies. He emphasized the need for unity in combating terrorism and safeguarding national progress.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam:
This significant development comes amidst heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, with both countries accusing each other of supporting terrorism. In response to these threats, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign named “Azm-e-Istehkam.” This operation aims to integrate multiple efforts to combat extremism and terrorism comprehensively and decisively.
Prime Minister’s Statement:
“Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The arrests and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts underscore Pakistan’s determination to thwart attempts to disrupt national progress and ensure the safety of its citizens and foreign partners involved in crucial development projects.