In a major counterterrorism breakthrough, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in coordination with a civilian federal intelligence agency conducted a high-impact intelligence-based operation on University Road, resulting in the arrest of a key operative involved in sectarian targeted killings linked to a proscribed terrorist organization.
The arrested individual, identified as Muhammad Farhan Khan, son of Muhammad Ismail, is allegedly affiliated with the banned outfit “Zainiboon,” which is reportedly involved in a series of coordinated sectarian terror attacks aimed at destabilizing law and order in Karachi.
According to a CTD spokesperson, preliminary interrogation has revealed that the suspect was actively part of an organized terror network responsible for planning and executing targeted killings to incite sectarian hatred and create widespread fear among the public.
The suspect is accused of participating in the assassination of Mosque Abu Bakr’s Imam, Mufti Qaiser Farooq, in a calculated attack carried out on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal in Federal B Area Block 20. Officials stated that the attack was designed to inflame sectarian tensions in the city and was part of a broader pattern of terror activity attributed to the group. During the same incident, a child, Umar, son of Shakir, was also injured as collateral damage.
Authorities confirmed that the arrest was made through coordinated intelligence gathering and swift operational action by CTD and federal intelligence personnel. A 9mm pistol, believed to have been used in the attack, was recovered from the possession of the suspect.
Officials further stated that the murder case of Mufti Qaiser Farooq had already been registered at Samanabad Police Station. Following the arrest, a separate case has been registered against the suspect under the Sindh Arms Act at the CTD station, while broader terror charges are being pursued.
Security officials described the development as a significant blow to an active terror network operating with the intent to spread sectarian violence and undermine public order. They added that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected as interrogation continues.
Joint CTD and intelligence teams have intensified operations to dismantle the remaining infrastructure of the network, with multiple raids underway to apprehend other members and facilitators of the banned outfit.
Authorities reaffirmed their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and to bring all individuals involved in targeted killings and sectarian violence to justice.
