Sindh, Balochistan to join hands against terrorist networks

KARACHI: Provincial authorities in Sindh and Balochistan have decided to devise a joint strategy to deal with terror outfits based in bordering areas of both provinces.

Informed sources told Geo News that a delegation of senior police and intelligence officials from Sindh will visit Balochistan on Tuesday for a meeting with senior security officials in the neighbouring province.

Officials from Sindh will also brief the Balochistan security officials as to how bordering areas of the two provinces have been transforming into terrorist dens and will seek cooperation from Balochistan government for joint action in these areas, sources said.

Sindh police has important evidence regarding the recent terror attacks, which will be shared with Balochistan security officials, the sources added. They further said that Sindh officials want Balochistan authorities to keep a watch on and act against these outlawed terrorist groups.

Security sources say five banned outfits have been trying to create a nexus in seven cities of Sindh and Balochistan, including Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sadiqabad, and Naseerabad.

The meeting of high-level officials will discuss the nexus of banned sectarian outfits and their proliferation in the border areas of the two provinces.

Key developments in Sehwan attack probe

The development comes a week after a suicide bombing at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan that left 88 people dead.

Sources said the senior officials from both provinces will also discuss a key development in the investigation of the Sehwan.

Investigators have identified two mosques in Balochistan – one in Quetta and the other in Dalbandin – where the Sehwan attack was planned. The mosques are located in an area with a large population of Uzbek refugees.

According to our correspondent Zahid Gishkori, DIG CTD Balochistan had a meeting with counter terrorism officials of the Sindh government three months ago where he informed them that Sehwan may be a target for the terrorists.

It appears the Balochistan government is also serious in cracking down on foreign terrorists operating in the province. The provincial government has recently decided not to extend visas of 4,000 foreign students.

Officials say the 4,000 foreign students belonging to Uzebkistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, will be sent back to their home countries by the end of the year.

Security officials have identified seven seminaries having links to banned outfits, while 27 seminaries linked to Jamaat ul Ahrar and Daesh have already been sealed in the province.