Pakistan conducted 5,143 intelligence-based operations against terrorism between January 1 and September 29, 2026, killing 2,410 terrorists, according to a written response submitted by the Ministry of Interior to the National Assembly.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed lawmakers that the operations also injured 806 people described as terrorists in the response and led to the arrest of 3,518 suspects.
The ministry said counter-terrorism operations were continuing under the National Action Plan, which provides the framework for Pakistan’s efforts to address terrorism and security threats.
Over 326,000 identity cards held by Afghan nationals cancelled
The Ministry of Interior also provided figures on the cancellation of Pakistani identity cards held by Afghan nationals over the past five years.
According to the written response, authorities cancelled 326,341 identity cards because the holders’ legal status was considered questionable.
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The figures showed that 255,139 identity cards were cancelled in 2026, followed by 62,414 in 2025. Authorities cancelled another 8,609 cards in 2024, 117 in 2023 and 62 in 2022.
Ministry highlights gaps in online threat monitoring
The ministry identified shortcomings in Pakistan’s institutional capacity to monitor and address online threats.
The written response stated that no organised, integrated system existed at the federal or provincial levels to handle the issue effectively.
It also highlighted a shortage of trained analysts in relevant institutions and open-source intelligence cells. According to the ministry, security and intelligence agencies lacked the capacity to maintain surveillance around the clock.
The response pointed to the need to address these institutional and staffing gaps as part of efforts to strengthen the monitoring of online threats.
NACTA receives less funding than requested
The Ministry of Interior informed the National Assembly that the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) had requested more than Rs2.98 billion for the 2026–27 financial year.
However, the authority had received only Rs1.33 billion for the current financial year, according to the ministry’s response.
The ministry described NACTA as a statutory body responsible for coordinating counter-terrorism efforts but clarified that it did not have arrest or law-enforcement powers.
The response also stated that NACTA would be designated as the National Counter-Terrorism Division, indicating a change in its designation as Pakistan continues its efforts to address terrorism and strengthen coordination among relevant institutions.
