CTD sets up three more zones

SPs to head quick response forces in each of the areas.

PESHAWAR: The counter-terrorism department (CTD) has established three more zones across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in order to augment operational readiness and reinforce its crackdown against militants and anti-social elements.

The Northern Zone will comprise Hazara and Malakand regions, Central Zone will constitute Peshawar and Mardan regions and the Southern Zone will consist of DI Khan, Bannu and adjoining districts. An SP-grade officer will be appointed in each of the zones.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a CTD official said each SP will head a quick response force in his own area—a mechanism he deemed more efficient than a centralised system run from the provincial capital.

“Militants are on the run thanks to a successful military operation in the tribal belt. Now is the time to nab them,” he said, adding the lower cadres are still present in the country while the militant commanders have fled to Afghanistan.

Over the past 15 days, the CTD has arrested around 103 suspects—49 militants, eight kidnappers, 29 extortionists and 17 target killers—across the province.

The department was formed in October 2013 when IGP Nasir Khan Durrani empowered the existing directorate of counter-terrorism and allowed it a more robust role for law enforcement. Earlier, the DCT was limited to intelligence gathering only. The department is now fully authorised to gather intelligence, conduct operations and investigation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2015.