MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) announced on Friday that they had thwarted a major terror plot, arresting a militant whose disclosures revealed the growing influence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” (FAK), in the region.
Speaking at a press conference in Pallandari, Sudhnoti district, Deputy Commissioner Sardar Umar Farooq and Superintendent of Police (SP) Nadeem Arif detailed the operation. Police had stopped a suspicious Suzuki Cultus near Azad Pattan during the night between March 18 and 19, arresting its driver due to his suspicious behavior.
Upon searching the vehicle, police recovered a hand grenade, a 9mm pistol with two magazines, 49 rounds of SMG ammunition, medical supplies, extremist literature, and dry rations. The suspect, a resident of Islamabad currently living in Soon Topa, Rawalakot, was taken into custody, and an FIR (No. 86/2025) was registered under Section 15 AB2.
Ties to Afghanistan-Based Extremists
SP Arif revealed that the suspect admitted to being part of a network led by Dr. Abdul Rauf, an extremist mastermind operating from Afghanistan. Also known as Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Ukasha, and Dr. Jamal, Rauf originally hailed from AJK’s Bagh district but had lived in Afghanistan for the past 15-20 years.
Authorities obtained evidence confirming Dr. Rauf’s involvement in orchestrating terrorist activities and issuing instructions via the Telegram app. The suspect further disclosed that he had been tasked with infiltrating AJK alongside five other operatives from Islamabad, all armed with heavy weaponry and explosives.
The group had attempted to evade police checkpoints by crossing a makeshift pulley bridge near Azad Pattan on foot. However, law enforcement’s swift action disrupted their plans. While the arrested suspect was taken into custody, the five others remain at large, and a search operation is underway.
Key Figures and Past Attacks
Further investigation linked three individuals from Bagh—Zarnosh, Muhammad Usama, and Muhammad Ulfat (also known as Saqib Zarar or Hanzala)—to the terror network. Police suspect them of involvement in the October 27, 2024, killing of police constable Sajjad Resham in Shujaabad, Bagh, an attack aimed at inciting fear in the region.
SP Arif accused Zarnosh and his associates of radicalizing young individuals, recruiting them for terrorist activities, and receiving support from Afghanistan-based militants who provided funding, weapons, and explosives.
The arrested suspect also revealed the group’s involvement in the March 3 terrorist attack near Sangjani on the motorway, a case that had already been registered.
Search for Fugitive Militant Continues
Another key operative, Ghazi Shehzad, was identified as a major logistical and ideological supporter of the terror network. He reportedly maintained direct contact with militants in Afghanistan and played a role in planning attacks.
Shehzad was among the 18 prisoners who escaped from Rawalakot Jail in June last year. While law enforcement has recaptured the others, he remains on the run. Forensic analysis of the arrested suspect’s mobile phone confirmed communication with both Dr. Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad.
Authorities Vow to Crush Terror Networks
Deputy Commissioner Farooq warned that “Fitna al-Khawarij” militants were attempting to infiltrate AJK but assured that authorities would take decisive action to eliminate such threats.
He urged parents to monitor their children closely to prevent them from falling prey to extremist ideologies.
“I assure the public that our efforts to dismantle this network are ongoing, and we will continue to protect the peace and stability of our region,” he said.
