Quetta – Security authorities in Balochistan have raised serious concerns over the alleged exploitation of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) platform by terrorist elements to recruit and radicalise young people across the province, warning that militant networks are increasingly adopting indirect and deceptive methods to expand their reach.
The claim was made during a press briefing by senior officials of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), where CTD Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Goraya, accompanied by Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqaat, shared details of recent intelligence-based operations and arrests carried out in different parts of the province.
According to the CTD, investigations have revealed that certain terrorist operatives are allegedly using BYC-associated gatherings, protests, and roadblocks as initial contact points to engage vulnerable youth. Officials claimed that under the guise of political and social activism, impressionable young individuals are gradually influenced and later inducted into militant organisations operating in the region.
CTD officials disclosed that a key suspect arrested during an operation in Panjgur, identified as Sajid Ahmad alias Shahwaiz, was allegedly involved in facilitating links between youths and banned militant outfits. The suspect, a resident of Turbat with an academic background in sociology and previous teaching experience at the University of Turbat, was said to be in regular contact with individuals linked to BYC leadership.
Authorities further claimed that recruitment often begins with participation in protests or demonstrations, after which selected individuals are exposed to extremist narratives and redirected towards armed militancy. The CTD specifically alleged that some recruits were eventually funnelled towards the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Sharing further details, officials said multiple arrests have been made as part of the ongoing investigation. Among them was an 18-year-old from Kharan, who was allegedly tasked with conducting surveillance on law enforcement personnel. Another young individual, identified as Bezan, reportedly joined militant ranks following personal grievances and contacts developed during BYC-linked activities after the killing of his brother in an attack on Levies forces.
DIG Goraya emphasised that terrorist groups are deliberately targeting educated and emotionally vulnerable youth, exploiting social issues and personal losses to manipulate them into violence. He added that law enforcement agencies are now focusing not only on arrests but also on rehabilitation and de-radicalisation initiatives, involving families, psychologists, and community elders to prevent further damage.
Officials also revealed that a significant cache of weapons and explosives was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, including rocket launchers, rifles, hand grenades, and explosive material, highlighting the scale of the threat posed by such networks if left unchecked.
The CTD reiterated that while peaceful political activism is a constitutional right, any platform found to be misused for terrorist recruitment will be dealt with strictly under the law. Authorities stressed that protecting Balochistan’s youth from extremist manipulation remains a top priority amid persistent security challenges in the province.
The allegations have already sparked debate within political and civil society circles, with calls for transparency and caution to ensure that legitimate civic movements are not unfairly targeted. However, security officials maintain that the evidence gathered so far points to an organised and dangerous trend that demands immediate attention.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.