Terrorist groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State in Khurasan Province (ISKP/Daesh) have been increasingly relying on facilitators and sympathizers to expand their influence in settled areas. Recent operations conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Peshawar and Mardan resulted in the arrest of six terrorists, with four of them identified as facilitators linked to IS. These individuals, namely Muhammad Rahim, Shahid, Saleh Muhammad, and Raz Muhammad, were found to be involved in numerous terrorist acts, including the targeted killings of minority community members.
According to CTD officials, these facilitators had been residing in various parts of Peshawar for an extended period, aiding IS terrorists in various attacks, including those targeting Sikhs, Christians, religious scholars, policemen, and others over the past several months.
Additionally, extortionists associated with these criminal networks or operating under their banners have been active in Peshawar and Mardan. CTD apprehended two members of one such gang, Faizullah from Mohmand and Saeedullah, an Afghan residing in Green Town Lahore, on charges of extortion. Forensic analysis of their mobile phones revealed the existence of at least ten WhatsApp groups based in Afghanistan used for making extortion calls to local affluent individuals. During the investigation, it was revealed that Faizullah worked under the command of Bilal and Qasim, TTP commanders based in Afghanistan. The gang had been involved in multiple extortion calls and also carried out grenade and IED attacks, resulting in casualties.
Recently, law enforcement agencies arrested facilitators of an extortion group that had been operating in the southern villages of Peshawar for several years. One of the group members, identified as Alamgir, was arrested for providing information and details about wealthy locals to commander Abdul Raziq in Afghanistan. The detained terrorist disclosed that Abdul Raziq had contacted him via WhatsApp from Afghanistan, requesting information about individuals in the area. Alamgir complied with these requests, providing details and videos of several houses before his arrest. He also mentioned being threatened whenever he resisted carrying out Raziq’s orders.
In response to these alarming developments, the authorities have established a helpline for individuals who receive extortion calls. Anyone facing such threats can contact the law enforcement agencies at 091111283283 for assistance and support.
Last year the TTP extortionists had become active in Swat area. Gradually, they were tackled and the evil practice has been curbed to a great extent. However, people still feel insecure and apprehend the return of the terrorist extortionists.
It is high time to enhance intelligence-sharing and coordination among law enforcement agencies to identify and neutralize facilitators and sympathizers aiding terrorist groups. Public awareness about the dangers of extortion and the importance of reporting such incidents promptly are important measures to control this propensity. Though the phone no has been given to report such matters, which is a positive step, citizens ought to be encouraged to utilize the provided helpline for assistance.
It is evident from above incidents and interrogation reports that groups are operating from Afghanistan for extortion and terrorism. More sustained collaboration should be established with Afghanistan, and other neighboring countries, to address cross-border terrorism and disrupt the networks that support terrorist activities.
The efforts of law enforcement agencies can give sustained results provided strict legal measures are ensured against the culprits involved in extortion. They should be penalized through courts and protection should be ensured to witnesses who come forward to testify against them.
TSB team in KP
