The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh Police, in a joint operation with a sensitive security agency, has arrested two key members of the Iran-based Zainabiyoun Brigade operating from across the border.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) CTD Azfar Mahesar confirmed that the arrested militants have been identified as Israr Gilgiti and Masoom Raza alias Imran Mota, the latter of whom is listed in the CTD’s Red Book of most-wanted terrorists.
DIG Mahesar revealed that both suspects were involved in multiple targeted killings, including the murders of Anas and Abdul Rehman, which took place on University Road and in Korangi, respectively. “Initial investigations indicate that the Naagan Chowrangi incident is also connected to the same group,” he said.
He added that the Zainabiyoun Brigade’s network was being operated from a neighboring country, and that the arrested individuals were acting under direct instructions from handlers across the border. The group’s primary focus, according to CTD officials, was to carry out sectarian and targeted attacks aimed at destabilizing Karachi’s fragile peace.
DIG Mahesar praised the timely intelligence coordination between CTD and national security agencies, stating that “these arrests mark a significant breakthrough against foreign-sponsored terror outfits attempting to exploit Pakistan’s sectarian fault lines.”
The CTD has recovered digital communication devices and preliminary evidence linking the suspects to transnational militant operatives. Further investigations are underway to identify local facilitators and the financial trail supporting the network.
DIG Mahesar reaffirmed that Sindh Police and Pakistan’s security institutions remain fully committed to uprooting all forms of terrorism and foreign-backed militancy from the province. “Those who target innocent Pakistanis or act at the behest of foreign networks will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice,” he said, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
