Islamabad – One of the biggest terrorist attacks that was to be carried out around Defence Day on September 6, 2025, was foiled by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in Islamabad.
The plan, allegedly masterminded by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a breakaway group, the Muhajir-Naqshbandi-Waziri Mujahideen Group (MNWMG), was foiled after an early tip-off, which resulted in the arrest of a primary facilitator and a suicide bomber.
A seven-member cell was involved in the planned attack, which officials claim had similarities to an earlier attack on the Bannu Cantonment. Six more attackers were anticipated to join afterwards. But before the operation could be fully mobilized, the IB’s prompt action interrupted it.
Involvement of the Afghan National
The commander of the cell and an Afghan national, who was identified as the designated suicide bomber, were among the important people arrested.
The commander, a native of Qila Abdullah, had earlier work experience in Islamabad, according to information made public by the IB. The suicide bomber used to work as a labourer in Kabul.
According to reports, both were trained at the Al-Farooq Fidayee Camp in Afghanistan under the guidance of a handler named Mukhlis Yar. After training, the two men went to Islamabad in June to thoroughly scout possible targets. After weeks of surveillance, they were able to finalize a target for the planned strike on Defence Day.
Transfer of Money
The clandestine hundi system, a long-standing unofficial money transfer network frequently used by terrorist and criminal groups, provided funding for the plot. The money, which came from Afghanistan, allowed the attackers to set up a base of operations.
They relocated to Tarnol, a suburb outside of Islamabad, in July. There, they rented a home and bought a modified Suzuki pickup truck, which they likely intended to use in the assault. Similar to the strategies employed in earlier significant attacks, obtaining the vehicle was a crucial component of their strategy.
Authorities have commended the IB for its hard work, which not only foiled a particular plot but also revealed the TTP-MNWMG’s operational procedures. The arrests yield important intelligence that may result in additional disruptions of terrorist networks across the border and within Pakistan.
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