A major terrorist plot was foiled in Karachi during an intelligence-based operation, resulting in the recovery of more than 2,000 kilograms of highly dangerous explosives and the arrest of three terrorists.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, CTD DIG Azfar Mahesar said that law enforcement agencies thwarted the plot through timely and decisive action based on information provided by a premier intelligence agency. He said that after several days of intensive surveillance and investigation, one terrorist was arrested. Further interrogation led to the arrest of two more suspects late last night.
The arrested terrorists have been identified as Jalil alias Farid, Niaz alias King, and Hamdan alias Farid. According to officials, the terrorists were planning attacks on civilian targets in Karachi. The explosives were smuggled from Afghanistan to Balochistan and then transported to Karachi.
Police officials said that due to the timely action of security agencies, the city was saved from a potential large-scale disaster. “We have succeeded in keeping Karachi safe,” they added.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that law enforcement agencies carried out a major and highly successful operation. He confirmed that operatives of the Majeed Brigade were apprehended and said the structure of the terrorist network resembled that of Bashir Zeb, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade. He added that the terrorists were planning to target civilian locations in Karachi.
Talal Chaudhry further stated that banned outfits such as the BLA and BLF operate from safe havens in Afghanistan. According to available evidence, the network was being run from neighboring countries. He said terrorists often use residential houses to hide and manufacture explosives, stressing that strict monitoring and effective enforcement of the tenancy system are essential.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon congratulated the security agencies on the successful operation. He said the terrorists had planned massive destruction and alleged that India attempts to destabilize Pakistan through proxy networks. “India has always been defeated on every front,” he added.
