PESHAWAR: According to the counter-terrorism department, the recent targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of minority groups in the provincial capital have been attributed to the militant group Islamic State, also known as Daesh.
The militant group Islamic State (Daesh) is confirmed by the counter-terrorism department to be responsible for the recent targeted attacks on scholars and minority members in the provincial capital.
Officials reported that a gunman killed Mushtaq, a member of the Christian community, on June 25. Ababeel Force intercepted the gunman on Ring Road near Garhi Qamardin area, leading to an exchange of fire. The Daesh gunman injured three CTD personnel. The force retaliated and killed the gunman.
During the operation, the police seized a pistol, a motorcycle, two SIM cards, and a BRT card. They also found an Afghan citizen card belonging to Khalid Khan, son of Musafir.
The initial investigation identified the gunman as Zafar, an Afghan national residing in the Rasheed Garhi area. Investigation and Zafar’s phone leads resulted in the arrest of father-in-law Ameenullah, as per senior police officials.
Officials disclosed that the militants are part of the Afghan network, mainly former inmates of Pul-i-Charkhi prison, Afghanistan.
Around 60 network members, who fled after the Islamic Emirates government formation in Afghanistan, reportedly enter Pakistan. However, the current level of activity among these militants remains unknown.
According to AIG Shaukat Abbas, targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of religious minorities began in March. Tracing the militant network and identifying its members pose significant challenges.
Since March, unidentified individuals have targeted nine individuals, including Sikhs, Christians, and Muslim scholars. Scientific methods and analysis of forensic evidence indicate that all these attacks were carried out using a single pistol.
Recent attacks by Islamic State
The officials have identified a group of 15-20 militants and are closing in on their capture. AIG Abbas likened the ongoing efforts to the continuous task of cleaning a home that becomes dirty again the next day.
A small number of people have reported extortion demands to the police. On May 1, a businessman lodged a case after being targeted in Hayatabad.
The case aided investigators in tracing the individuals responsible for the extortion calls. People have reported multiple similar calls in Darra Adamkhel, Peshawar, and Malakand areas.
Syed Ashfaq Anwar, the capital city police chief of Peshawar, announced that they have initiated legal action against PTI activists who blocked roads without permission. The law enforcement authorities will take stringent measures against all violators of the law.
