KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Karachi, in coordination with a federal civil intelligence agency, is reported to have arrested Syed Muhammad Askari Abidi, a highly wanted suspect allegedly associated with the proscribed Sipah-i-Muhammad organisation, officials said.
A hand grenade and a Kalashnikov were recovered from the suspect’s possession, according to a CTD spokesperson.
Suspect allegedly attempting to reorganise network
The CTD said Abidi’s name was included in the Red Book Edition 10, which contains details of the department’s most wanted suspects. He had reportedly been evading law enforcement agencies for an extended period.
Initial investigations suggest that the suspect was allegedly attempting to reorganise his network in Karachi, officials said.
According to the CTD, the suspect admitted during interrogation to involvement in several acts of terrorism and target killings.
Investigators said he and his alleged associates would first conduct reconnaissance of their targets before carrying out attacks.
Several cases related to target killing and other serious crimes have been registered against the suspect at different police stations across Karachi, including Jamshed Quarters and Ferozeabad police stations.
The CTD said two additional cases had been registered against Abidi at CTD Operations Karachi. Case No. 78/2026 was registered under the Explosives Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Sindh Arms Act.
