In a joint operation based on intelligence inputs, a highly wanted terrorist, and a social media radicalizer, belonging to the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was successfully apprehended by Pakistan Rangers and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Block 12, Manogoht area.
The arrested individual has been identified as Asif, son of Asghar Ali Kalmati Baloch. During the operation, security forces recovered firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials from his possession.
Initial investigations reveal that Asif joined the BLA in 2023 under the guidance of commanders Tariq alias Sufi and Salman Kalmati Baloch. Originally from Karachi, he moved to Gwadar’s Panjwan area in 2016, where he facilitated the supply of weapons and logistics for the group.
Sources say that following the death of commander Tariq alias Sufi in 2025, Asif went into hiding in Iran’s Ramdan region. He had vowed revenge against Pakistan’s security forces along with his associate, Salman Baloch.
Further intelligence indicates that a BLA commander operating from a neighboring country, Rehan Baloch, instructed Asif to receive military training from the Majid Brigade, and he was preparing to attend a training camp after Eid. Authorities also confirmed that Asif was active on social media, attempting to radicalize youth against the state and security institutions.
Security officials hailed the operation as a significant success, noting that the arrest disrupts a key BLA network and prevents potential attacks in Karachi and other urban centers.
