KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and a federal intelligence agency have arrested four highly wanted suspects allegedly linked to banned militant organisations during joint intelligence-based operations in Karachi.
According to sources, three of the suspects are affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), while the fourth is linked to the Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA). The suspects were allegedly planning attacks on key installations and law enforcement facilities in the city.
Three Alleged BLA Operatives Arrested in First Operation
The CTD Karachi and the federal intelligence agency reportedly received confidential information that three trained BLA operatives were present in Karachi on the instructions of their organisational commander.
Acting on the intelligence, a joint team raided a public park near Block 4 on Abul Hasan Isphani Road and arrested the three suspects.
According to the sources, the suspects had gathered to prepare for a potential attack when security personnel moved in and apprehended them.
Suspects Allegedly Linked to Attacks in Balochistan
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were in regular contact with their organisational commanders, who were either based abroad or in hiding.
The suspects were allegedly preparing to use hand grenades to target sensitive locations and law enforcement offices in Karachi.
Investigators also suspect that they were previously involved in targeted killings in Balochistan and several attacks on Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and Customs mobile patrol vehicles.
The joint team recovered three hand grenades and a .30-bore pistol, along with a magazine, from their possession.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Ghulam Yaseen, son of Rais Wazir; Aftab Ahmed, son of Ghulam Mustafa; and Shoaib, son of Abdul Hai.
SRA Suspect Arrested Near Korangi Causeway
In a separate operation, the joint team raided an area near the Korangi Causeway stream and arrested Asif Ali, also known as Asif Sindhi, son of Ashiq Ali Chachar.
According to the sources, the suspect is affiliated with the banned Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA), which they describe as an organisation operating as an alleged Indian proxy.
A hand grenade was also recovered from his possession.
Suspect Allegedly Conducted Reconnaissance of Key Targets
During preliminary interrogation, Asif Sindhi allegedly disclosed that he had conducted reconnaissance of several potential targets in Karachi.
According to the investigators, these included a prominent foreign national, a police deputy superintendent (DSP), a railway track and the residence of a prominent political figure.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that he was preparing to carry out attacks on law enforcement offices on the instructions of his commander.
The allegations and reported disclosures have not been independently verified.
Further Raids Underway
Officials expect further information to emerge during the interrogation of all four suspects. Raids are reportedly being conducted to identify and apprehend other alleged facilitators and members of the network.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
