In a major breakthrough following the devastating suicide bombing at Peshawar Police Lines mosque last year, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police investigators have exposed a shocking case of infiltration within their own ranks, leading to the arrest of a police constable involved in facilitating terrorist operations.
Tracing Leads Through Past Attacks
The probe into the tragic attack, which resulted in over 100 casualties, began with a comprehensive review of previous suicide bombings and interviews with family members of known militants. This method led authorities to a crucial lead involving Imtiaz, also known as Taura Shippa, an Afghan national with deep militant connections. Imtiaz’s brother had been a suicide bomber, and his uncle served as a Taliban commander, linking him directly to the militant network behind the recent attack.
Uncovering a Hidden Insider
During questioning, Imtiaz disclosed that he knew the bomber personally and had met him in Afghanistan, further revealing that he was in contact with the attacker as he crossed into Pakistan. Investigators, suspecting potential inside help, turned their focus toward Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a militant group whose leadership shares ethnic ties with certain police personnel. By narrowing down a list of officers matching this profile, they identified a masked individual, referred to as “Irfan Shinwari,” who was suspected of facilitating the movement of bombers in Peshawar.
The Shocking Revelation: A Policeman Involved
The investigation soon revealed that “Irfan Shinwari” was an alias used by Muhammad Wali, a police constable with a record of involvement in terror-related incidents. Upon his arrest, Wali confessed to aiding the bomber in the Police Lines attack, admitting to his role in coordinating several other terrorist activities as well.
Evidence gathered through Call Data Records (CDR) and extensive CCTV footage confirmed Wali’s connections with militant operatives dating back to 2021. The police were able to corroborate his admissions with concrete proof, including communication logs and financial transactions.
A Confession That Exposed Financial Ties
In a confessional video released during a press conference by the KP police chief, Muhammad Wali admitted to receiving Rs200,000 for his role in facilitating the Police Lines bombing. He further disclosed that he was on a monthly retainer of Rs50,000 from the militant group, highlighting the financial incentives that drove him to betray his position.
Implications and Next Steps
The revelation of a police insider aiding terrorists has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, underscoring the depth of infiltration by militant groups. Authorities have expressed confidence in the strength of the evidence collected, which includes Wali’s detailed confession and corroborating material. The KP police are now preparing to proceed with court trials, aiming for a swift and successful prosecution.
This case not only sheds light on the vulnerabilities within the police force but also raises critical questions about the influence and reach of militant organisations in the region.
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