KARACHI: A major terrorist plot was foiled in Karachi following an intelligence-based operation that led to the recovery of more than 2,000 kilograms of highly dangerous explosives and the arrest of three suspected terrorists, officials said on Monday.
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Addressing a press conference, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Deputy Inspector General Azfar Mahesar said the operation was carried out on actionable intelligence provided by a premier intelligence agency. He said security personnel conducted several days of surveillance before arresting one suspect, whose interrogation led to the capture of two more late on Sunday night.
The arrested suspects were identified as Jalil alias Farid, Niaz alias King, and Hamdan alias Farid. Officials said the militants were planning attacks on civilian targets in Karachi. Investigations revealed that the explosives were smuggled from Afghanistan into Balochistan and later transported to Karachi.
Police officials said timely action by law enforcement agencies prevented a potential large-scale tragedy. “Due to swift and effective measures, Karachi has been saved from a major disaster,” they said.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry termed the operation a significant success, confirming that members of the Majeed Brigade were among those arrested. He said the structure of the terror network resembled that of Bashir Zeb of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade, adding that the group intended to target civilian areas in the city.
Chaudhry further alleged that banned outfits such as the BLA and BLF operate from safe havens in Afghanistan and that evidence suggests the network was being managed from neighbouring countries. He emphasized the need for strict monitoring and effective enforcement of the tenancy system, noting that terrorists often use residential houses to store and manufacture explosives.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon praised the security agencies for the successful operation. He said the suspects were planning widespread destruction and alleged that India attempts to destabilize Pakistan through proxy networks, adding that such efforts have repeatedly failed.
