Gilgit — The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has been formally operationalised in Gilgit-Baltistan, with a dedicated CTD police station established in Gilgit to handle terrorism-related cases across the region.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Police announced on February 14, 2026, that the unit has begun operations with 250 officers and personnel. Recruitment for an additional 600 posts is underway during the current year to strengthen capacity and ensure effective response to emerging threats.
A major step has been taken to strengthen security in Gilgit-Baltistan as a dedicated Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has been formally established. #PakistanConnect pic.twitter.com/JRDabPlu26
— Pakistan Connect (@Pak_Connect) February 14, 2026
Key Highlights
- CTD unit now operational in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Dedicated CTD police station established in Gilgit.
- Initial strength: 250 officers and personnel.
- Recruitment ongoing for 600 more posts this year.
- SSP Tanveerul Hassan appointed head of CTD GB.
- All terrorism-related FIRs transferred to CTD station.
- CTD to have four wings: investigation, intelligence, operations.
- Tangir valley FWO attack case registered with CTD.
SSP Tanveerul Hassan has been appointed head of CTD Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the unit comprises four specialised wings — investigation, intelligence, operations, and administration — and will manage all counterterrorism cases province-wide. The case of Thursday’s attack on a Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) vehicle in Tangir valley of Diamer district has already been registered with the CTD.
The federal government approved the establishment of the CTD unit in September 2025, authorising 613 new posts to address rising terrorism and violent incidents, particularly along the strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH). Assistance from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be sought for basic training and professional skills development of CTD personnel in GB.
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The initiative follows a directive by the prime minister to establish the CTD in Gilgit-Baltistan within six months. A Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting on July 25, 2025, reviewed the GB government-sponsored project “Raising of CTD Police in GB,” estimated to cost over Rs1.5 billion, sponsored by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions.
Funding challenges persist, with recurring expenditure for new posts placed on the resource-constrained GB government and uplift funds for construction deferred until the next fiscal year. The Ministry of Planning cited reduced fiscal space in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and existing commitments to GB as reasons for delays.
The activation of the CTD unit marks a significant step toward bolstering security in Gilgit-Baltistan, a strategically vital region vulnerable to cross-border threats and hybrid warfare. Authorities expect the strengthened unit to enhance intelligence gathering, investigation capacity, and rapid response, contributing to peace, stability, and protection of national infrastructure along the KKH and other key areas.
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