Pakistani YouTuber Arrested for Allegedly Recruiting for Al-Qaeda

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has once again demonstrated its commitment to national security with the apprehension of Muhammad Saad bin Riaz, a YouTuber accused of recruiting for the banned al-Qaeda outfit. This swift action, taken on April 27 near GPO Chowk, underscores the CTD's vigilance in combating terrorism within our borders.

The FIR registered against Riaz, under Sections 11F(2) and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, highlights the serious nature of his alleged activities. The recovery of an al-Qaeda membership card and literature glorifying Osama bin Laden from his possession paints a disturbing picture of his involvement with extremist elements.

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After getting information from a source that a suspected al-Qaeda member was present at a mosque, Hanfia Ghusia Mughal Saraiy, opposite to Lytton Road, he was caught recruiting individuals and distributing prohibited material.

This arrest is not an isolated incident. The CTD's ongoing intelligence-based operations across Punjab have led to the detention of 21 suspected members of various banned organizations this week alone. From Lahore to Bahawalpur, the department's proactive approach is thwarting planned terrorist activities and ensuring the safety of our citizens. The apprehension of individuals linked to groups like Fitna-ul-Khawarij and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) further emphasizes the pervasive threat we face and the CTD's crucial role in neutralizing it.

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the department conducted 214 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province and questioned 215 suspects, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals.