Muzaffarabad – A major terror network operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been exposed, revealing a sinister plot to destabilise peace and order in the region by terrorists from India and Afghanistan, Interior Minister Col (R) Waqar Ahmad Noor announced during a joint press conference with Inspector General of Police Rana Abdul Jabbar.
Speaking to the media, the Minister disclosed that under the guise of “rights activism,” a group of militants and anti-state elements were planning large-scale sabotage. The investigation was triggered after the October 27, 2024 attack on the Shujaabad police check-post, which resulted in the martyrdom of Constable Sajad Resham.
Minister Noor revealed that police investigations led to the identification of key suspects including Zarnosh Naseem alias Qasim, Usama alias Muhammad, and Hanzala alias Ulfat.
A breakthrough came on March 19, 2025, when security forces arrested Saqib Ghani at the Azad Pattan entry point, seizing a cache of weapons. During interrogation, he confessed to links with Zarnosh and other operatives, and further admitted to involvement in multiple terrorist incidents, including a failed arson attempt at City Police Station Bagh.
The suspects were also allegedly involved in attacks on Islamabad Motorway Police and Sangjani Toll Plaza, and were plotting attacks on sensitive locations.
One of the accused, Usama, voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement after realizing the true motives behind the group’s activities. His cooperation led to the recovery of hand grenades and pistols, and the arrest of additional operatives, who later confessed to planning and executing various attacks in AJK.
The Minister further revealed that detainees provided video confessions, confirming the existence of a well-coordinated terror network. Another key figure, Ghazi Shehzad, reportedly escaped from Rawalakot Jail and is now linked to hostile intelligence agencies in Afghanistan.
Additionally, a notorious terrorist named Abdul Rauf, operating from Afghanistan, was accused of radicalising youth under the guise of jihad and Sharia, in collaboration with the outlawed group Fitnah al-Khawarij (FAK).
Interior Minister Waqar Noor stated that Indian backing for these elements has also been confirmed, with evidence pointing to funding, shelter, and training being provided to saboteurs targeting AJK’s stability.
He emphasized that legal action is being taken against all facilitators involved in these subversive acts, and credited the tireless efforts of security forces for maintaining peace in the region.
In a strong message to the public, Minister Noor urged citizens to remain vigilant, act responsibly, and support law enforcement agencies in safeguarding Azad Kashmir. “This land was peaceful, is peaceful, and God willing, will remain peaceful,” he affirmed.
