By The South Asia Times 

QUETTA - Pakistani authorities have arrested an Afghan national who has confessed to carrying out attacks on security forces as a joint operative of both the Afghan Taliban and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officials announced at a joint press conference on Tuesday.

The arrest, described by officials as a breakthrough in counter-terrorism efforts, was made during an intelligence-based operation in Kuchlag, a town in Balochistan province, according to Home Minister Mir Zia Langau.

The suspect, identified as Habibullah, is an Afghan citizen who reportedly admitted to his role in attacks that resulted in casualties and injuries among Pakistani army personnel.

“Our government and institutions have repeatedly provided evidence of Afghan soil being used against Pakistan,” Langau told reporters. He was joined by Home Secretary Hamza Shafqaat and DIG Counter Terrorism Department Aitzaz Goraya, who presented slides, a confessional statement, and other documentary evidence.

Authorities revealed that Habibullah had been detained once before on suspicion but was released in good faith after a month. However, fresh and credible intelligence led to his re-arrest in Kuchlak, where he later disclosed his connections to cross-border militant networks.

During interrogation, Habibullah identified his brother, Sher Afghan, as an associate of the TTP network. The cell is believed to be led by a commander known only as “Muslim.”

“The arrested terrorist admitted to being an operative of the Afghan Taliban and TTP for attacks on Pakistan’s security personnel,” Langau said, using the government’s preferred term for the TTP—Fitna al Khwarij, a label historically used to designate extremist factions.

The development marks the latest escalation in a long-running dispute between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban authorities to prevent their territory from being used to stage attacks on Pakistani soil.

“The Government of Pakistan has repeatedly tried to convince the Afghan government to stop supporting and harbouring terrorists operating against Pakistan,” the home minister said, though he did not indicate whether any new diplomatic démarche had been issued following the arrest.

Balochistan, which shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan, has been the scene of frequent militant violence. Pakistan’s military has stepped up operations in recent months, but cross-border militancy remains a persistent security challenge.

Officials said Habibullah remains in custody and that further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of his network and potential links to planned future attacks.