Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have detained a former member of the Afghan National Army who was allegedly involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan. The arrest took place in the Tirah area of KP on November 7 after intelligence agencies provided a tip-off.
Additional Inspector General Abbas Ahsan shared the details during a joint press conference along with Regional Development Council spokesperson Mehmood Jan Babar. The suspect has been identified as Hikmatullah, also known as Hamza. He belongs to Mangryal village in Afghanistan’s Paktia province.
According to officials, Hikmatullah maintained contacts with militants both across the border and within Pakistan. He was also linked to the Gul Bahadur group. The police described him as a high-profile individual involved in cross-border terrorism.
AIG Abbas Ahsan further announced that the government is taking fresh steps to counter drone attacks by militants. He confirmed that anti-drone systems will be installed across sensitive areas within the next six months.
This arrest comes at a time when Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in terrorist incidents, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The rise began after the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. In September 2026, the country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in twelve years.
Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Afghan authorities to stop militant groups from using their territory to launch attacks on Pakistani soil. Officials say the Afghan Taliban government has so far failed to take meaningful action against these outfits. Talks between the two sides have continued, yet the issue of terrorists operating from Afghan soil remains unresolved and continues to strain relations.
The successful operation in Tirah highlights the ongoing efforts of Pakistani security forces to dismantle networks that threaten peace in the border regions. Authorities have promised further action against those supporting or facilitating such activities from across the border.
