• Action follows ambush on police team returning from anti-poppy operation; IGP says mission aimed at eliminating drug cultivation
• Security on high alert in Gilgit after threats

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Police have arres­ted 15 suspects during a combing operation against terrorists involved in recent attacks on police in the Thore Valley.

During the operation led by SP Diamer Shahryar Khan, the suspected facilitators were arrested from various locations. Officials said that interrogation of the arrested suspects is underway.

According to a statement issued by the GB police spokesperson, the operation will continue uninterrupted until the perpetrators involved in the incident are brought to justice.

Action follows ambush on police team returning from anti-poppy operation; IGP says mission aimed at eliminating drug cultivation

The statement added the aim of the operation, being conducted on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan, is to bring those responsible to book and ensure lasting peace in the area.

On Monday, at least three police personnel were martyred and five others, including a DSP, were wounded in an ambush targeting a police team returning from an operation against poppy cultivation near Thore Valley in Chilas.

Gilgit-Baltistan IGP Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, in a video message, said the police team had launched a mission aimed at freeing future generations from drugs. He said that in Diamer district, there are some remote valleys that are difficult to access. Taking advantage of the geography, poppy is being cultivated in these areas.

He said police had taken action in the past to destroy poppy cultivation to ensure future generations are protected from the curse of drugs. This year, it was the third mission of police to destroy opium cultivation in Thore.

He added that when the team was returning, terrorists attacked them. The motive for the attack was to keep the area free from police intervention and prevent law enforcement agencies from reaching their safe havens.

The IGP vowed to take strict action against those involved in the attack. He reaffirmed that GB police, GB Scouts, Pakistan Army, and other law enforcement agencies would work in coordination to restore peace and defeat elements trying to disrupt law and order in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Meanwhile, security has been put on high alert in Gilgit on Friday, following threats of terrorist attacks on police installations.

Diamer police have intensified search operations to arrest those involved in the attack on the police during the anti-poppy drive in the Thore area near Chilas.

The GB police spokesperson said that while police installations were under threat, security arrangements have been tightened at all religious places, important installations, and offices of other security agencies.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026