Some political parties, workers involved in terrorist networks: Talal

Islamabad witnessed a press conference by Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, on Wednesday. He disclosed that certain political parties and workers in the country might inadvertently or intentionally align themselves with terrorist networks. Chaudhry, speaking after an intelligence-led operation that dismantled a terror cell involved in weapon smuggling and ties to the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), emphasized that these individuals often support terrorist-crime networks.

These networks, he claimed, are operating in Afghanistan, targeting civilians and security forces in Pakistan under the guise of "jihad" and money. The core goal of these attacks is to destabilize Pakistan, Chaudhry stated. He reiterated that eliminating the terror network is vital, achievable through the National Action Plan (NAP), swift justice, and the ongoing anti-terrorism initiatives.

The minister highlighted that JAAC was banned based on solid evidence, and further probes into the matter are ongoing. He noted that JAAC's activities are being investigated extensively, including the authenticity of their alleged social media and mainstream media communications. On the day JAAC was banned, questions emerged about the veracity of audio clips purportedly connecting the group.

Chaudhry detailed that security forces are conducting more than 200 intelligence operations daily, but for security reasons, specifics of these operations remain undisclosed.

Chaudhry revealed that an operation led to the arrest of Zia, a Kashmir resident who served as a weapons dealer for eight years. Zia was linked to JAAC and had supplied weapons to its key members multiple times. He was apprehended following an intelligence operation triggered by a shooting incident at Kashmir Mor. The investigation exposed his association with Majid, a JAAC associate and friend of Sardar Aman.

During the press conference, audio clips were played, allegedly showcasing conversations between Zia and his contacts about transporting arms and weapons. Zarshad, another individual from Afghanistan, was also connected, providing Zia with weapons via a carrier. Clips of these conversations were also presented at the press conference.

The minister also mentioned Akbar, an employee of a significant institution, who was found associated with the gang and involved in arms transportation from Bara to Azad Kashmir.

Chaudhry noted that individuals within these networks eventually reveal their involvement, as previously predicted. He pointed out that despite only 37 of JAAC's 38 demands being met, the group announced a long march shortly after the election date. This march aimed to prevent elections and promote a narrative that Kashmir's issues are managed externally.

He asserted that despite the march, many voters participated in Mirpur on polling day, suggesting the violence and gunfire that day were not coincidental. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between political activism and armed groups. The minister emphasized that recovered mobile phones, location data, and other evidence from individuals linked to terrorist networks from Afghanistan to Pakistan would hinder terrorist activities.

He reiterated that securing convictions in cases with evidence is crucial to prevent terrorist incidents.