Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has claimed to have foiled a major attack in Karachi by seizing nearly two tonnes of explosive material and arresting three suspected militants during a large-scale operation in the city.
According to officials, the seized explosives and detonators were allegedly linked to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which, they claimed, was planning a major attack in Karachi.
Senior CTD officer Zulfiqar Ali Larik and Deputy Inspector General of Police Ghulam Azfar Mahesar disclosed the details during a press conference on Monday. They said the explosives were recovered during a joint operation carried out by police and intelligence agencies.
Addressing the media, Larik stated that one of the recovered vehicles was fully loaded with explosive material and was “ready for an attack.” He claimed that the explosives had been transported to Karachi from the southwestern province of Balochistan.
DIG Mahesar said the operation was conducted following intelligence-based inputs. He added that one suspect was initially arrested, and further arrests were made on the basis of information obtained during interrogation. According to him, two additional suspects were subsequently taken into custody, while other alleged members of the network managed to escape.
Mahesar said further raids were under way to apprehend the remaining suspects who were still at large.
Officials confirmed that a case related to the recovery of explosive material has been registered at the CTD police station under the state’s complaint. The case includes provisions of anti-terrorism laws and the Explosives Act.
According to the police, the FIR also names Baloch Liberation Army chief Bashir Zeb Baloch along with other associates. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged network and its activities.