KARACHI: Security agencies successfully thwarted a major terrorist plot in Karachi, seizing over four tons of explosives during a covert operation in the Baldia Town area, according to senior officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Monday.
In a press briefing, Additional Inspector General of CTD Zulfiqar Lark and retired Captain Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, DIG CTD, revealed that the operation followed several days of intensive intelligence-based surveillance.
Initially, one suspect was apprehended, and subsequent interrogation led to critical breakthroughs, culminating in the arrest of two more individuals late Sunday night.
The suspects apprehended have been identified as Jaleel Ahmed, also known as Fareed, son of Muhammad Noor; Niaz Qadir, also known as King, son of Qadir Bakhsh; and Hamdan, also known as Fareed, son of Muhammad Ali. Authorities attributed the discovery and prevention of the terror plot to persistent monitoring and heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), over 2,000 kilograms of high-grade explosives were seized and neutralized after being found stored in more than 30 plastic drums and five metal gas cylinders. These dangerous materials were safely transported outside the city and disposed of in the Hub area. Officials highlighted that this interception likely prevented numerous civilian casualties, as the detainees intended to conduct attacks in Karachi.
CTD officials revealed that the suspects had been operating from a rented house located 35 to 40 kilometers from the city. A combination of human intelligence and advanced surveillance was instrumental in tracking the group’s activities. To prevent public alarm, the operation remained discreet. Bomb disposal teams meticulously handled booby traps and other hazards during the raid to ensure safety.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the explosives had been smuggled into Karachi via Afghanistan through Balochistan. Evidence pointed to external coordination, with the network reportedly linked to terrorist organizations acting against Indian interests. It was alleged that Indian-supported proxy entities such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) were leveraging safe zones within Afghanistan.
The CTD also connected the group to individuals and factions such as BLA commander Bashir Zeb, the Majid Brigade, and a so-called movement referred to as Fitna-e-Hindustan. Officials noted that urea-based explosives are a common component in terror-related activities, emphasizing the importance of disrupting the supply chain for such materials.
Authorities highlighted how local facilitators often provide support to terrorists in return for minor financial incentives and warned of residential properties being covertly used for concealing and producing explosives. They stressed the need for stricter oversight on rental agreements and for bolstering regulations around the trade and use of urea and similar substances.
Reiterating their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, law enforcement agencies assured that all individuals connected to the thwarted plot were under active pursuit. Further updates on the investigation would be disclosed as progress is made.
