ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has confirmed the arrest of a senior Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) leader, dealing a significant blow to the militant group’s propaganda and operational capabilities. According to intelligence sources cited by state broadcaster PTV, Sultan Aziz Azzam, the head of ISKP’s media wing ‘Al-Azaim,’ was captured in May 2025 while attempting to enter Pakistan.
Azzam, born in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province in 1978 and a graduate of Nangarhar University, is a high-value target. The United States had designated him as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ in November 2021. He reportedly joined ISKP in 2016 and rose to oversee its critical media and propaganda operations.
The arrest, publicly disclosed recently after being kept under wraps for operational security, was confirmed by Pakistan’s state news agency, APP. It stated the arrest occurred on May 16, 2025, and marked a key success in a broader crackdown against ISKP networks in the country. Authorities report that Azzam’s detention led to a noticeable suspension of the group’s media activities.
This achievement has gained international recognition. The 16th report of the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team cited Pakistan’s actions, noting they have “weakened the organizational structure of ISIS-K globally.” The report further credits Pakistani counter-terrorism efforts with foiling several planned attacks and reducing militant numbers.
The arrest underscores Pakistan’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist infrastructure within its borders and disrupt transnational militant networks, highlighting a critical interception of a key figure in ISKP’s propaganda machinery.
Pakistan has given a massive blow to ISIS-K , the spokesperson of the militant-network has been arrested.
Azam’s network is said to be significant for the enrollment and the propaganda-based activities of the ISIS-K.
Sultan Aziz Azam is the founder of the media wing of the ISIS-K.
The arrest was carried out on the Pak-Afghan border area. The report has disclosed that Azam was arrested on 16th May 2025.
The UNO’s report has sad that Abu Yasir, another prominent commander of ISIS-K was also arrested with Sultan Aziz Azam.
