Kamran Ali
Correspondent Nukta
Kamran Ali, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a decade of experience covering terrorism, human rights, politics, economy, climate change, culture, and sports. With an MS in Media Studies, he has worked across print, radio, TV, and digital media, producing investigative reports and co-hosting shows that highlight critical issues.
Police say Hikmatullah alias Hamza was planning terrorist attacks inside Pakistan after receiving three months of specialized training and studying at religious seminaries.
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An Afghan national was arrested in Peshawar for allegedly planning terrorist attacks, officials said Wednesday. Police identified the suspect as Hikmatullah alias Hamza and say he entered Pakistan from Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing. Additional Inspector General Ahsan Abbas called the arrest a major breakthrough against cross-border militancy.
Why was an Afghan national arrested in Peshawar?
Police say Hikmatullah alias Hamza was planning terrorist attacks inside Pakistan after receiving three months of specialized training and studying at religious seminaries. Officials allege he previously stayed with militant commander Gul Bahadur and other militant figures. He was apprehended in an intelligence-led operation after crossing the border.
What did police say about Afghan territory and the border?
Abbas told a news conference that Afghan territory was being used to plan and facilitate terrorist activities against Pakistan. He said militants were trying to cross the border under the cover of darkness to carry out attacks inside the country.
Abbas said Pakistan had been fighting terrorism for more than two decades. He alleged that militant groups continued to use Afghan territory as a base for attacks on Pakistan.
The suspect made several disclosures during interrogation, Abbas said, including naming individuals who allegedly facilitated his activities in Pakistan. Investigations are continuing.
What security steps has the government announced?
Abbas said security arrangements were being strengthened in 12 designated districts that had previously faced security challenges. Authorities were giving these areas particular attention, he added.
Mehmood Jan Babar, adviser on information to the Areas Development Secretariat (ADS), said the arrest reinforced Pakistan's longstanding position that Afghan territory was being used to facilitate militant activities against the country.
Babar said the government had asked representatives of the Areas Development Council (ADC) to approach militants sheltering in their areas through a jirga, a traditional council of elders, and urge them to leave. If the jirga succeeds, he said, security forces would launch intelligence-based operations to eliminate terrorism within three months.
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