CTD dismantles terrorist network

Malik Liaqat Ali played a pivotal role as the head of a peace committee

PESHAWAR:

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Malakand has successfully dismantled a terrorist network responsible for a devastating attack on former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Malik Liaqat Ali in the Dir Lower district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

In a press conference held in Peshawar, AIG CTD Shaukat Abass provided detailed insights into the operation, shedding light on the arrest of key operatives and the intelligence-based approach employed.

Malik Liaqat Ali had played a pivotal role as the head of a peace committee, rendering vital support to the security forces in their anti-terrorism efforts. This significant contribution marked him as a prime target for the terrorists.

A breakthrough was achieved when an essential member of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Asadullah, was apprehended in an intelligence-driven operation. Asadullah, hailing from Lalu Zamidara in Lower Dir, was a key figure within the terrorist organization.

The attack on August 6, 2022, was a tragic incident that claimed the lives of Constable Naseer, Levies Constable Bacha Rawan, Driver Jan Alam, and Yasir, while leaving Malik Liaqat and several others severely wounded. The incident triggered the launch of a thorough investigation, with an FIR filed at the CTD Police Station Malakand.

Through rigorous interrogation, Asadullah divulged critical information about the local terrorists involved in the attack. The individuals identified included Qari Ihsanullah, Akhtar Rehman, Zahid Gul, and Sher Amin, who were associates of Asadullah’s father. Together, they had devised a plan to target Malik Liaqat Ali by assembling an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which Asadullah had hidden for future use. However, a span of two months elapsed without any action.

Undeterred by this setback, the terrorists formulated a new strategy. Utilizing social media platforms, particularly Facebook, they tracked MPA Liaqat’s movements, obtaining information about his anticipated arrival. The second plan involved the utilization of an AK-47 assault rifle.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2023.