Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Goraya has alleged that terrorist groups are using the platform of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to recruit and radicalise youth across the province.
Addressing a joint press conference in Quetta alongside Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat, the CTD official shared details of a recent operation in Panjgur that led to the arrest of a suspected militant. The suspect, Sajid Ahmad alias Shahwaiz, a resident of Turbat, was detained by CTD, police and other law enforcement agencies.
According to Goraya, Sajid held a master’s degree in sociology from the International Islamic University Islamabad and had previously worked as a contract lecturer at Zubaida Jalal Government College before teaching at the University of Turbat. He claimed the suspect had remained associated with BYC and was in constant contact with its leadership.
The DIG said investigations revealed that individuals involved in what he described as “sharing or intelligence networks” were somehow linked to BYC. He added that three more suspects had been arrested and FIRs were being registered against them.
One of the suspects was identified as 18-year-old Sarfaraz from Kharan, who was allegedly tasked with reconnaissance of police and polio teams.
Goraya claimed Sarfaraz was first involved in BYC protests and roadblocks before being assigned militant-related tasks. Another individual, Jahanzaib alias Mehrbaan, was accused of inducting multiple youths into BYC and later facilitating their involvement with the banned Baloch Liberation Army.
Goraya alleged that underage individuals were deliberately targeted as they face less scrutiny at educational institutions. He said rehabilitation and internment centres were being set up in Quetta and Turbat to provide counselling, psychological support and reintegration for affected youths, with parental involvement.
The DIG also detailed the recovery of a large cache of weapons and explosives from Sajid’s vehicle, including rockets, rifles, grenades, C4 explosives and detonating equipment. Sajid was reportedly travelling from Panjgur to Turbat at the time of his arrest.
