ISLAMABAD: The Counter Terrorism Force (CTF) police station has been handed investigations into two alleged terrorism cases, including an attack on an imambargah in November last year and the recent recovery of suicide jackets from G-14.

The new police station began operating in the capital as a unit of the CTF in early April. The force was constituted under the National Action Plan and made operational earlier this year.

Police said a station house officer (SHO), Inspector Fayyaz Ahmed Ranjha, and additional SHO Inspector Mohammad Anar have also been appointed to the station.

Among the two cases the station will be investigating is the Nov 29, 2017 attack on Imambargah Babul Ilm in I-8/2, in which armed individuals shot at people exiting the building after evening prayers. The attack resulted in the death of an Intelligence Bureau official and four wounded.

They will also be investigating the recent discovery of two suicide jackets, five hand grenades, ball-bearing plates, two pistols, four magazines, over a hundred rounds of ammunition, four fuses and four detonators in G-14. This case was previously being investigated by the Industrial Area and Golra police.

Officials said the two officers will begin investigating the cases shortly after they receive manpower. So far, the strength of the police station has not been sanctioned and the post of moharrar is vacant.

They said over 50 officials, including inspectors, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables and constables are required at the station.

Inspector General of Islamabad Police (IGP) Dr Sultan Azam Temuri confirmed that the CTF police station has been made operational. He said details of all terrorism and sectarianism cases registered with the police are being collected so investigations can be transferred to the CTF.

The station will prepare case files and submit charge sheets in court for trial, he said, as well as deal with proscribed organisations and leaders – including those listed on the Fourth Schedule.

Proscribed leaders and Fourth Schedulers will report to the CTF police station to mark their presence in the city and submit their details, he said.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2018