The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Karachi, in a joint operation with a federal civil intelligence agency, on Wednesday arrested two suspected key terrorists allegedly affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officials said.
CTD Operations Wing chief SSP Syed Irfan Ali Bahadur said the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence-based information and resulted in the arrest of two alleged members of the Mufti Saad Group of the banned TTP. Two hand grenades were also recovered from their possession. The arrested suspects were identified as Umar Farooq, son of Hassan Gul, and Abdullah, son of Mumtaz Ali.
SSP Bahadur said preliminary investigations indicated that both suspects had travelled to Karachi from Afghanistan on the instructions of their commander. They were allegedly assigned responsibilities related to planning and facilitating terrorist activities in the city.
According to investigators, the suspects were allegedly involved in conducting reconnaissance of important locations and monitoring the movements and activities of police and Rangers officers. The information collected during these activities was allegedly being shared with their commander.
SSP Bahadur said the initial investigation further revealed that the two hand grenades recovered during the operation were allegedly intended to be handed over to another associate of the group on the instructions of their commander. Investigators suspect that the explosives were subsequently planned to be used in attacks on important installations.
The CTD had registered separate cases against the arrested suspects at the CTD Operations Karachi police station. Case No. 81/2026 had been registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, read with Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. A similar case, No 82/2026, had been registered against the second suspect under the same legal provisions.
SSP Bahadur said further investigation was underway to determine the suspects’ alleged activities, network and links with other members of the banned organisation. Special teams had also been formed by the CTD, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, to trace and arrest the suspects’ alleged associates. Officials said efforts were underway to identify other individuals who may have been involved in reconnaissance, logistical support or preparations for possible terrorist activities.
SSP Bahadur said the investigation could lead to further revelations about the alleged network operating in Karachi. Officials also indicated that additional arrests were expected as the investigation progresses.
