Pakistan's Political Cover For Terrorists? ISIS 'Commander' Meets Zardari, Joins PPP | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 13:47 IST

Shafiq Mengal has been tasked with overseeing a covert operational framework aimed at consolidating several militant outfits like LeT, Jaish and factions linked to Islamic State

In a development likely to spark controversy, alleged ISIS commander in Balochistan Shafiq Mengal has met Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and formally joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), according to sources familiar with the matter.

Mengal, a tribal leader from Khuzdar district in Balochistan, is widely considered to have close ties with Pakistan’s intelligence establishment. He has previously been accused by rights groups and analysts of leading armed networks and death squads operating in the province.

Sources told CNN-News that Mengal has been tasked with overseeing a covert operational framework aimed at consolidating several militant outfits operating in the region. These include groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and factions linked to Islamic State (also known as Daesh). The alleged objective of this consolidation effort is to counter and suppress Baloch nationalist and separatist movements active in the province.

Intelligence-linked sources further allege that the initiative is being carried out under the supervision of Pakistan’s security apparatus, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence.

Mengal is also believed to be involved in arranging safe houses and training facilities across Balochistan while facilitating recruitment through religious seminaries and underground networks. These activities, according to sources, are part of a broader attempt to strengthen militant infrastructure in the region.

The controversy deepened after an investigation by CNN-News18 in October 2025 alleged links between Pakistan’s intelligence services and extremist groups operating in Balochistan, including networks associated with Mengal.

Sources now claim Mengal’s entry into the PPP provides him with a form of political cover in the province, where the party is part of the ruling coalition. Critics argue that such a move could blur the line between political authority and militant networks in one of Pakistan’s most volatile regions.

News world Pakistan's Political Cover For Terrorists? ISIS 'Commander' Meets Zardari, Joins PPP | Exclusive

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