Three ‘TTP terrorists’ arrested in Islamabad

Published October 27, 2021
A police official says the suspects wrote letters to businessmen and owners of educational institutions demanding extortion money. — White Star
A police official says the suspects wrote letters to businessmen and owners of educational institutions demanding extortion money. — White Star

ISLAMABAD: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Islamabad police has arrested three persons allegedly associated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Speaking at a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jamil Zafar Malik said the suspects used to write letters to businessmen and owners of educational institutions demanding extortion money.

The terrorists demanded Rs300 million through 10 letters sent to different people, he said, adding that they also wrote to the CTD threatening its officials with dire consequences.

One of the arrested suspects is a former TTP commander from Swat, he said, adding that they were supported by their accomplices in Afghanistan.

The SSP said it was claimed in one of the letters that they had kidnapped son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. Following directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jameelur Rehman, he constituted teams to ensure arrest of the suspects.

The police teams while using scientific methods of investigation and modern technology in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies traced the suspects.

Meanwhile, in a news release, Islamabad police spokesman said letters had been sent to the people in Peshawar General Post Office (GPO), Urdu Bazaar Rawalpindi, Pirwadhai Rawalpindi, Saidu Sharif Swat, Mingora GPO and Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi. They also sent a letter to a private school in Pirwadhai asking to vacate the building within five days, he added.

Likewise, another letter was sent to a private school in H-8, he said, adding that the owner of the school was threatened and asked to vacate the building.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...