Sindh’s Interior Minister, Zia Hassan Lanjar, announced the arrest of two individuals, including a female facilitator, allegedly involved in the recent suicide attack targeting Chinese nationals near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. He said the arrests were made during an intelligence operation on the night of November 10. The authorities confirmed the suspects’ identities, Javed alias Sami alias Sameer and a woman named Gul Nisa. The police have yet to reveal further details about their third accomplice, who remains at large.
According to the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Javed is reportedly the mastermind behind the attack, while Gul Nisa allegedly provided logistical support. Both suspects had entered Karachi from Hub Chowki on October 4 in a car loaded with explosives. The vehicle was purchased for 7.1 million rupees in September from a showroom in Karachi and paid for via a cash transfer from a private bank in Balochistan’s Hub district.
During the press conference, Lanjar provided further insights into the attack. The suicide bomber, identified as Shah Fahad alias Aftab, detonated the explosives-filled vehicle near a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors at a signal close to the airport. The vehicle, which contained between 30 to 40 kilograms of explosives, was reportedly driven from Hub Chowki to Karachi on October 4. Fahad’s identity was confirmed through his severed hand found at the scene, which matched his fingerprints.
It’s worth mentioning that one of those arrested in connection with the Karachi incident, identified as Javed Baloch, a resident of Winder, had reportedly been missing since October 16, 2024, following his alleged disappearance by Pakistani forces. However, his detention was confirmed in Sunday’s official statements, which claim that he was arrested on November 10 and linked him to the Karachi attack.
Authorities have revealed that Javed conducted reconnaissance of the attack site and coordinated the operation, while a third individual, Farhan, was also involved, assisting alongside another man named Muhammad Sharif. Fahad and his accomplices recorded a final video message at a local park before executing the attack on October 6.
The attack, which targeted a Chinese convoy, resulted in multiple casualties, including the deaths of over five Chinese nationals and several injuries. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their Majeed Brigade’s fidayee, Shah Fahad, was behind the suicide bombing. The blast also claimed the lives of at least 15 Pakistani security personnel, including several high-ranking military officers.