In an ongoing effort to protect its citizens from cross-border threats, Pakistan is gearing up to once again address the issue of Afghan nationals’ involvement in extortion activities within its territory.
During a press conference held in Peshawar, DIG Counter Terrorism Finance, Imran Shahid, revealed that Pakistani officials have decided to escalate the matter of Afghan citizens’ participation in extortion activities with the interim Taliban government in Kabul.
This comes as authorities continue to assert that Afghan citizens have been implicated in terrorism, extortion, and other unlawful activities on Pakistani soil.
Highlighting recent developments, the top official disclosed that two individuals involved in extortion, identified as Zaman Faiz and Saeedullah, have been apprehended. Both of these individuals are Afghan nationals and were captured in Lahore. Additionally, their mobile phones have been seized as part of the investigation.
The extortionists had been targeting a range of individuals, including businessmen, politicians, and others. Many victims refrained from reporting these incidents to local authorities out of fear for their safety.
Imran Shahid emphasized, “The arrested individuals were operating in district Mohmand, and they have 71 other associates. This network even reached out to politicians, including a senator and a member of the provincial assembly, demanding extortion money.”
Furthermore, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) official disclosed that the arrested TTP members had established ten WhatsApp groups dedicated to extortion activities.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned group that Pakistan claims has found safe havens in Afghanistan, was significantly weakened through military operations in 2014. These operations were launched following a tragic attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, which resulted in the loss of nearly 150 lives, predominantly students.
After being largely routed, TTP fighters sought refuge in Afghanistan, where they were pursued by US-led forces. However, with the recent return of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed concerns that the country has become a “safe haven” for TTP terrorists who continue to be involved in attacks on military personnel.
Pakistan’s efforts to address the issue of Afghan nationals involved in extortion reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens amid evolving regional dynamics.
