Islamabad foils major terrorist attack; 4 militants killed: Atta Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan successfully thwarted a major terrorist attack targetting Islamabad’s outskirts, Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar shared while addressing the media today. He shed light on the planning and operational network behind the foiled strike revealing that the attempted suicide attack, planned for November 11, was neutralised before the attacker could reach the intended high-value target.

“The terrorists aimed at Islamabad’s suburbs, but thanks to timely action, we avoided a major tragedy,” Tarar said. Within 48 hours of the attempted attack, security forces killed four militants in coordinated operations conducted jointly by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Investigations revealed that the militants received training in Afghanistan, and the attack was orchestrated by Noor Wali Mehsud, who is based in Kabul. Tarar disclosed that the militants maintained communication with extremist networks in Afghanistan and that Afghan citizens were directly involved in planning the Islamabad courthouse attack.

Confessions from arrested militant Sajidullah Shina exposed the full operational linkages. Shina, hailing from Bajaur, described how a TTP commander contacted him to travel to Afghanistan, while Qari Usman coordinated his movements. From Jalalabad to Kabul, Shina received detailed instructions regarding the attack. He later transported the suicide vest from a cemetery in Peshawar to Islamabad.

Authorities noted that all captured militants had coordinated through a single mobile application, facilitating real-time communication across borders. The investigation into the Islamabad courthouse attack has progressed significantly, with all key links identified and disclosed to the public.

Minister Tarar emphasised the sacrifices of the Pakistani armed forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism. He said, “Today we have presented all the facts of this terrorist network to the nation and the world, showcasing the vigilance and professionalism of our security agencies.”

The operation highlights Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism through intelligence-led operations and inter-agency coordination, preventing potentially devastating attacks and dismantling cross-border extremist networks.