Web Desk: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says an intelligence-based operation has uncovered an alleged cross-border arms-smuggling network linked to members of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the operation traced an alleged weapons supply chain running from Afghanistan into Pakistan and ultimately to individuals associated with JAAC in AJK.
According to the ministry, investigators identified an individual named Zarshad in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, as part of an alleged network involved in supplying weapons.
The ministry said the weapons were transported through Tirah and Bara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before allegedly reaching an individual identified as Zia in AJK.
Authorities described Zia as an alleged JAAC operative and said he had been involved in arranging illegal weapons supplies for about two years.
The ministry further claimed that Zia maintained close ties with JAAC figures Sardar Aman and Khwaja Mehran.
It said information obtained during the intelligence operation had provided what authorities described as evidence of connections between the alleged weapons network and individuals associated with the proscribed group.
The ministry did not provide independently verifiable details of the evidence in its social media statement, but said supporting material had been attached to its post.
The government also alleged that the findings point to external financial and logistical support for activities it says are linked to JAAC.
The ministry described the development as evidence of what it called an armed network operating under the cover of public-rights activities in AJK.
However, the allegations remain claims by Pakistan’s authorities, and the statement did not cite a court ruling establishing the alleged links or provide an independent assessment of the evidence.
The ministry also used the operation to raise broader concerns about terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.
It alleged that the Afghan Taliban authorities were allowing individuals involved in terrorism and organised crime to operate from Afghanistan and facilitate activities affecting Pakistan and the wider region.
The statement did not provide details independently confirming the Afghan authorities’ alleged role in the weapons network.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over terrorist activity originating from Afghanistan, while the Taliban authorities have rejected allegations that Afghan territory is being used against neighbouring countries.
The latest claims are likely to add to tensions between Islamabad and Kabul as Pakistan continues to focus on cross-border security threats and alleged terrorist networks operating in the region.
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