Islamabad: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday shared details of an intelligence-based operation, saying it exposed an alleged network involved in terrorism, weapons supply, narcotics trafficking and smuggling.
He said security agencies conduct around 200 intelligence-based operations daily and presented audio, video and other evidence from one operation to explain how such networks operate and support terrorist activities.
Addressing a press conference, Talal Chaudhry said questions are often raised about intelligence agencies and the country’s counter-terrorism efforts. He said many operations remain out of the public eye, but the government decided to share details of one case because of the evidence collected during the investigation.
The minister said that individuals operating from Afghanistan were involved in supporting terrorism inside Pakistan. He said the investigation uncovered what he described as a terror-crime network linked to weapons trafficking, vehicle smuggling, illegal petroleum trade, narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities. According to him, these activities provide financial and logistical support to terrorist operations.
Talal Chaudhry also referred to a group identified as Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which was recently declared a proscribed organisation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said questions had been raised about the decision, with some suggesting the organisation represented political rights. However, he maintained that the decision was based on evidence gathered by security agencies and that investigations were continuing.
The minister said some audio recordings related to the case had already appeared on social media, but doubts had been expressed about their authenticity. He said the evidence collected during the investigation supported the findings of security agencies.
According to Talal Chaudhry, the investigation began with the arrest of a man identified as Zia, a resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that Zia had been supplying weapons to different individuals for the past eight to ten years and had been providing weapons to people associated with JAAC during the last two years.
He said Zia was arrested after a firing incident involving security agencies at Kashmir Mor. Investigators later examined his mobile phone and traced contacts and communication records that led to further developments in the case.
The minister said investigators found links between Zia and a man identified as Majid. He described Majid as a close associate of Sardar Aman, whom he identified as a leading figure within JAAC. Audio recordings allegedly recovered during the investigation contained discussions about sniper rifles, ammunition, quantities, prices, supply arrangements and deliveries.
Talal Chaudhry said the investigation also linked Zia to another individual named Zarshad, whom he accused of supplying ammunition from Afghanistan. According to the minister, Zarshad operated from Nangarhar and other areas of Afghanistan. He said investigators had obtained audio recordings, videos and call records connected to the case.
The minister said another key figure in the alleged network was a government employee identified as Akbar. According to Talal Chaudhry, Akbar was involved in transporting weapons consignments and used his official position to move material while avoiding scrutiny. He said audio recordings between Zia and Akbar were also part of the evidence presented during the press conference.
Talal Chaudhry further said that the network relied on support from individuals connected to smuggling operations. He claimed that illegal petroleum trade, vehicle smuggling and narcotics trafficking were among the activities that generated funds and logistical support for the network.
The minister said the federal government’s counter-terrorism drive includes more than 20 areas of focus and was reviewed regularly by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while the Prime Minister also chairs review meetings periodically. He said one of the key objectives of the drive is to dismantle networks that combine criminal activity with support for terrorism.
Referring to events in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Talal Chaudhry said action had been taken against certain individuals and groups during recent months after intelligence agencies gathered information about their activities. He said audio recordings, weapons, sniper rifles and drones had been recovered during investigations, while security personnel had also lost their lives in related incidents.
The minister questioned why protests and political campaigns were launched after most demands presented to the government had been accepted either fully or partially. He alleged that attempts were made to create conditions that could affect the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Talal Chaudhry said incidents of violence and firing occurred during the election period after large numbers of people participated in voting. He said investigators believe these incidents were connected to broader efforts aimed at creating instability.
The minister claimed that the network had been operating for at least two years and that multiple consignments of weapons had been delivered during that period. He said investigators possessed further information about routes, deliveries and individuals involved, but those details were not being disclosed at this stage.
Talal Chaudhry said there should be a clear distinction between political activity and armed groups. He alleged that some elements sought to create uncertainty regarding state decisions and supported groups working against Pakistan’s interests.
Calling the case one example among hundreds of daily intelligence-based operations, the minister said the investigation demonstrated how criminal activity and terrorism can be linked through networks involved in weapons trafficking, smuggling and narcotics trade.
He also called for stronger counter-terrorism laws, speedy courts and legal mechanisms to deal with such cases. The minister said law enforcement agencies had collected evidence including mobile phone data, movement records, locations and recovered items. He maintained that effective prosecution and punishment were necessary to prevent such networks from continuing their activities and to strengthen law and order in the country.