In a joint intelligence-based operation, Sindh Rangers and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) apprehended a most-wanted terrorist affiliated with a proscribed organization from the Lyari area of Karachi. The suspect, identified as Akhtar alias Akko, was allegedly involved in multiple terrorism-related incidents and has been on the radar of law enforcement agencies for years.
According to a Rangers spokesperson, arms and explosives were recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest. Akhtar joined the banned outfit in 2019 on the instructions of his close associate Faraz alias Ganj.
The spokesperson stated that the accused was involved in conducting reconnaissance and making surveillance videos of several sensitive locations along with Faraz. During interrogation, Akhtar confessed to participating in an attack on Chinese nationals in Lyari on March 9, 2021. In the attack, carried out alongside Faraz, gunfire was opened on a vehicle carrying Chinese workers, injuring Chinese manager Jason and a passerby named Khalid. The case was registered at Baghdadi Police Station, and both suspects were clearly identified in CCTV footage.
Akhtar also revealed that he had conducted surveillance of journalists Akram Sajidi and Shahid Zehri at Hub Chowki, creating videos and passing them on to Abdul Rehman alias Adnan alias David, a commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
On October 10, 2021, BLF militants planted a magnetic bomb on Shahid Zehri’s vehicle in Hub Chowki, resulting in his death and serious injuries to two others. Later, on November 1, 2021, a similar magnetic bomb attack targeted journalist Akram Sajidi in Hub Chowki, leading to his death.
Further significant disclosures are expected from the suspect during the ongoing investigation.
The Rangers spokesperson confirmed that the arrested terrorist, along with seized arms and ammunition, has been handed over to CTD police for further legal proceedings.
