Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) foiled a plot of multiple suicide raids by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sought at the SCO Summit in Islamabad last month and confined six terrorists, mostly Afghan citizens, and their facilitators.
The SCO Summit, which witnessed the participation of leaders from Russia, China, India, and various Central Asian nations, proceeded without trouble. On October 14, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) acquired credible reports from sources within the terrorist grouping revealing an imminent suicide attack sought at the summit. The intelligence pointed at a suicide bomber, recognised as Jehanzaib alias Hussain, who had been sent from Afghanistan with orders to target the meeting. The militants took away from South Punjab to arrive in Islamabad.
Rawalpindi’s IB and CTD mounted an extreme operation, blocking the operational commander linked to the episode. The principal terrorist, however, avoided capture temporarily. The following day, a concerted crackdown on potential escape routes on the outskirts of Islamabad was undertaken. To escape detention, the terrorist, who was travelling in a vehicle, blew himself up near a toll plaza on the motorway. The explosion also killed three passengers and wounded several others.
The explosion, initially documented as a CNG cylinder mishap, destroyed the bomber but required a light narrative to prevent political and diplomatic fallout during the summit. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and COAS General Asim Munir have praised the IB and CTD for their decisive action and stressed the importance of their unified dedication to securing the nation.
Analysts have highlighted the seamless coordination between civilian and military entities as necessary to safeguarding Pakistan during this potential problem, stressing the bravery and strategic insight displayed by involved teams. Key officials secret to this operation believe that by preventing this threat, Pakistan not only ensured the friendly conduct of the SCO Summit but also sent a strong statement to adversaries intent on destabilising the country. The victory stands as a testament to the stringent vigilance of Pakistan’s security forces, signalling a strong commitment to national security.
