A most-wanted militant, identified as Khalid alias Commander, was killed during an intelligence-based operation carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the suspect’s presence in the area.
According to CTD officials, the militant resisted arrest by opening fire on security personnel despite repeated calls to surrender. Consequently, the CTD team returned fire, resulting in his death.
Intelligence Leads CTD to Suspect’s Location
Officials said the operation was conducted after the CTD received intelligence about Khalid alias Commander being present in Korai, located within the jurisdiction of Shorkot Police Station.
Acting on the information, the CTD team reached the location to arrest the suspect. However, the operation quickly turned into an armed encounter after the militant allegedly refused to surrender.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Commander ignored repeated warnings and instead opened fire on the CTD personnel. The team responded, leading to the militant’s death during the exchange of fire.
Suspect Linked to Multiple Terrorism Cases
The CTD stated that Khalid alias Commander was wanted in several terrorism-related cases. Officials also alleged that he was involved in the killing of police constable Muhammad Ali on March 17, 2025.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said the militant had repeatedly managed to evade law enforcement by frequently changing his appearance and remaining in disguise.
According to the department, he belonged to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Zakir Koochi Karwan group.
Weapons Recovered After Encounter
Following the operation, CTD personnel recovered a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade, and a smartphone from the slain militant.
Officials said the recovered items have been taken into custody as part of the investigation. The seized material will also be examined during the ongoing inquiry.
CTD Continues Counterterrorism Operations
The successful intelligence-based operation forms part of the CTD’s continued efforts to track and arrest individuals wanted in terrorism-related cases across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities maintain that intelligence-led operations remain an important component of counterterrorism efforts aimed at preventing militant activities and strengthening public security.
The department has not released additional operational details. However, officials confirmed that investigations related to the recovered evidence and the militant’s alleged network will continue.
