23 booked under terrorism charges after clash during Islamabad search operation

ISLAMABAD: A police search operation involving Afghan residents in Islamabad turned violent in the Sarai Kharboza area, leaving four officials injured and leading to the arrest of 23 people, according to authorities.

Police said the confrontation took place when residents resisted the operation. An FIR registered at Golra Police Station by Assistant Sub-Inspector Saqib Mehmood stated that a group led by a suspect identified as Mubeen attacked police personnel during the action.

According to the formal complaint, the group allegedly abducted a police official, confined him inside a house and then set the building on fire. The FIR further alleged that the attackers took away a submachine gun from an officer and opened fire with the intent to kill.

Authorities said four police officials were hurt in the incident. The 23 people taken into custody in connection with the clash are being investigated under several legal provisions, including Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Further operation launched

Police said a team from the Counter Terrorism Department has started a broader operation to trace and arrest other suspects who escaped from the scene.

The incident was reported as part of a search operation targeting Afghan residents in the federal capital. Officials said the violence broke out after officers came under attack during the operation.

Separate incident

In a separate development, a police sub-inspector died after suffering a cardiac arrest while on special duty in Islamabad.

Officials said Sub-Inspector Mukhtar Ahmed was deployed at the Serena Hotel when he suffered the cardiac arrest. No further details were provided in the report about the circumstances surrounding the medical emergency.

The two incidents were reported by authorities on the same day, with one involving the violent clash in Sarai Kharboza and the other concerning the death of the police officer during a special assignment.

Police have said investigations are continuing into the Sarai Kharboza incident, while efforts are under way to apprehend additional suspects identified in connection with the attack on officials.

The FIR filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Saqib Mehmood forms the basis of the case against those arrested, and the allegations listed in the complaint include assault on police, abduction of an official, arson, snatching of a weapon and firing on officers.

Authorities have linked the case to anti-terror provisions, and the detained suspects are facing proceedings under multiple statutes as the investigation moves forward.