Anti-terror court sentences facilitator linked to banned groups to 14 years in prison

An Anti-Terrorism Court has sentenced a man identified as Sajad Ahmed to 14 years in prison after finding him guilty of facilitating banned organisations BLA and BLF, according to court proceedings and security officials.

Security forces had arrested Sajad Ahmed in a targeted operation in Panjgur, where he was reportedly found in possession of weapons and explosive materials. Officials said the arrest was part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region aimed at dismantling facilitation networks supporting outlawed militant groups.

During the investigation, authorities alleged that the convict was involved in recruiting students for banned organisations through what they described as proxy networks linked to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Officials further claimed that he used these channels to encourage and mobilise individuals toward militant activities.

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Security sources also stated that evidence presented in court indicated alleged links between Sajad Ahmed and foreign-sponsored networks. He was accused of being assigned tasks related to preparing vehicles for potential suicide attacks, although details of operational targets were not disclosed in the judgment.

The Anti-Terrorism Court in Turbat, after reviewing evidence, convicted Sajad Ahmed and sentenced him to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also handed him an additional seven-year sentence under the Balochistan Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons and explosives.

Authorities said the verdict underscores the state’s commitment to countering militancy and dismantling support structures of proscribed organisations. Officials added that such cases highlight the continuing challenge of extremist recruitment and facilitation networks operating in sensitive regions of Balochistan.

Security institutions reiterated that operations against banned outfits and their facilitators will continue across the province as part of national counter-terrorism strategy.