KARACHI: Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), in coordination with a federal intelligence agency, has arrested three suspected militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during separate operations in Karachi, recovering an improvised explosive device, a hand grenade and a pistol with ammunition, officials said.
According to a CTD spokesperson, officers arrested two suspected BLA members, Rahim Fazal and Balach Baloch, near University Road in Block 7 of Gulistan-e-Johar. In a separate operation, they detained Shah Noor Rehman Khan, a suspected TTP member, beneath the Gulbai Chowk flyover.
The arrests followed intelligence-led operations at two locations across the city, the spokesperson said.
Officials said the teams recovered a ready-made improvised explosive device (IED), a hand grenade, a .30-bore pistol, a loaded magazine and five bullets from the suspects.
Suspects planned attacks on sensitive sites
According to the CTD, preliminary investigations indicate that the terrorists were planning attacks on sensitive installations and offices of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.
The CTD statement further stated that the two suspected BLA members had been involved in targeted killings, kidnappings and attacks on security forces in Balochistan.
Meanwhile, the suspected TTP member reportedly claimed to have participated in attacks against security forces in Waziristan, the spokesperson said.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the suspects’ claims and alleged links remain subject to further investigation.
Three cases registered
The CTD has registered three cases against the arrested suspects and is continuing its investigation, according to the spokesperson.
Authorities are also pursuing further leads to identify and arrest other suspected associates, facilitators and financial supporters allegedly linked to the network.
Senior CTD officials praised the personnel involved in the joint operations and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for their performance.
