ISLAMABAD: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Islamabad police has arrested three persons allegedly associated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Speaking at a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jamil Zafar Malik said the suspects used to write letters to businessmen and owners of educational institutions demanding extortion money.

The terrorists demanded Rs300 million through 10 letters sent to different people, he said, adding that they also wrote to the CTD threatening its officials with dire consequences.

One of the arrested suspects is a former TTP commander from Swat, he said, adding that they were supported by their accomplices in Afghanistan.

The SSP said it was claimed in one of the letters that they had kidnapped son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. Following directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jameelur Rehman, he constituted teams to ensure arrest of the suspects.

The police teams while using scientific methods of investigation and modern technology in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies traced the suspects.

Meanwhile, in a news release, Islamabad police spokesman said letters had been sent to the people in Peshawar General Post Office (GPO), Urdu Bazaar Rawalpindi, Pirwadhai Rawalpindi, Saidu Sharif Swat, Mingora GPO and Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi. They also sent a letter to a private school in Pirwadhai asking to vacate the building within five days, he added.

Likewise, another letter was sent to a private school in H-8, he said, adding that the owner of the school was threatened and asked to vacate the building.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2021