Pakistan interior minister says weapons dealer linked to banned JAAC network arrested

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry told reporters that security forces uncovered a network allegedly connected to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, capturing a weapons dealer identified as Zia, a resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir who has been dealing arms for eight to ten years. According to Chaudhry, Zia supplied firearms to close JAAC figures, including Sardar Amaan, through an associate named Majid, and was detained following a shooting at Kashmir Mor.

The minister presented audio excerpts purportedly showing Zia and Majid discussing the delivery of armed men and Dragunov rifles. He emphasized that the operation is part of a larger terror-crime nexus that also traffics narcotics, vehicles and petroleum products, and warned of destabilising influences from Afghanistan. Chaudhry said further details, such as weapon costs and ammunition types, could be disclosed publicly.