In a major breakthrough against terrorism, the Sindh Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and a federal intelligence agency jointly arrested a key operative allegedly involved in supplying drone technology, electronic equipment and explosives to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Officials described the operation as one of the most significant successes of its kind in the country’s history.
CTD operations chief SSP Syed Irfan Ali Bahadur said the arrested suspect, identified as Tahir, was playing a crucial role in the procurement and supply chain of sophisticated equipment used by the militant organisation.
He said Tahir was acting on the instructions of his brother, Talal, alias Zaid Baloch, an active TTP member currently residing in Afghanistan. Talal’s name is also included in the Sindh CTD’s Red Book of wanted militants.
SSP Bahadur said Talal had assigned Tahir the responsibility of arranging and supplying electronic equipment, advanced drones, mobile phone batteries, chips, inverters and other materials required by the militant group.
The arrested man allegedly purchased drone motors, frames, propellers, batteries, controller boards, nuts, bolts, clip wires, heat shrink wires and various electronic components that could be used in the assembly of drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Investigators disclosed that the suspect acquired the equipment from multiple markets across Karachi, including Saddar, Boulton Market and Ranchore Line, while additional items were purchased through online platforms such as Daraz and other electronic commerce websites. Among the items allegedly procured were advanced drones, mobile phones and related communication equipment.
According to CTD officials, evidence collected during the investigation indicated that the supplied materials were intended for use in terrorist activities, including IED attacks, suicide bombings and drone-based attacks.
Authorities believe the arrest has exposed a critical supply network that was facilitating the acquisition of modern technology for militant operations.
During the operation, law enforcement agencies seized approximately two kilogrammes of explosives, a drone along with its battery, and a remote-control device.
A criminal case has been registered against the suspect under relevant anti-terrorism laws, while investigators continue to probe the network’s activities and identify additional facilitators and associates.
The CTD and federal intelligence agencies have also formed a joint team to pursue further leads emerging from the suspect’s interrogation.
Authorities have appealed to the citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or unusual purchases and sales of electronic equipment in their neighbourhoods. Officials emphasised that public cooperation remained essential in preventing terrorist groups from acquiring technology and materials that could be used to threaten public safety and national security.
Meanwhile, Sindh Home, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar appreciated the successful joint operation conducted by the CTD and a federal agency, which led to the arrest of a key facilitator involved in supplying advanced drone technology, electronic equipment and explosive materials to terrorist elements.
He praised the CTDDIG , SSP Bahadur and their entire team for their professionalism, effective strategy and timely action. He stated that the achievement reflected tireless efforts, effective intelligence-sharing and close coordination between the CTD and the federal agency.
Lanjar said that identifying and dismantling a supply chain involved in providing modern drone technology, electronic equipment and explosive materials to terrorist networks, and apprehending a key individual associated with it, represented a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The home minister directed the authorities concerned to intensify efforts against the arrested suspect’s associates, facilitators and the broader network connected with terrorist support activities to ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.
He reiterated that facilitators, supporters, and collaborators of terrorist organisations could not escape the reach of the law and indiscriminate action would continue against all individuals involved in anti-state and terrorist activities.
He also urged the citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities, unusual electronic equipment or questionable buying and selling of such items through the CTD Helpline 1102, so that timely preventive action could be taken in the interest of public safety and national security.
