CTD arrests alleged TTP suicide bomber in Karachi, foils major terror plot

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested an alleged suicide bomber linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during

Karachi: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested an alleged suicide bomber linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in Karachi, preventing what authorities describe as a potentially major terrorist attack in the city.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the arrested suspect, identified as Salman, was a close associate of the wanted militant known as Zafran. Investigators claim that Salman had previously been involved in terrorist activities alongside other militants and had participated in an attack in Karachi’s Site Area, where foreign nationals working in the industrial zone were injured in a shooting incident.

During the operation, security officials recovered a suicide vest, photographs of sensitive locations, and maps believed to be related to potential targets. Authorities said these materials indicate that the suspect was actively involved in planning future terrorist activities.

The spokesperson noted that Zafran, who was considered one of the most wanted militants in the region, had previously been killed in an encounter with CTD personnel. A reward of Rs100 million had reportedly been announced for information leading to his capture due to his involvement in multiple terrorist activities.

According to preliminary investigations, Salman and several other militants had been dispatched to Karachi with the objective of carrying out a large-scale suicide attack. Security officials revealed that some of his fellow suicide bombers had not yet arrived in the city, raising concerns about the existence of a broader militant network operating across different regions.

Authorities further disclosed that one of Salman’s associates was killed in a suicide attack targeting Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in Quetta in 2025. Another associate reportedly died during a suicide bombing at the Police Training Center in Dera Ismail Khan last year. Investigators believe these connections demonstrate the suspect’s long-standing involvement with extremist networks responsible for several high-profile attacks.

The CTD spokesperson stated that the suspect had received training in suicide bombing tactics in Afghanistan. According to investigators, Salman traveled to Karachi under the instructions of a militant commander identified as Maulvi Mukhlis Yar. He reportedly entered the city alongside another associate, Idris, also known by the alias Asadullah.

Officials allege that the group’s operational plan included carrying out targeted killings before launching suicide attacks in Karachi. The recovered evidence and intelligence reports are being examined to determine the intended targets and the full scope of the planned operation.

In response to the arrest, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle the remaining network. The CTD announced that joint teams comprising intelligence and security personnel have been formed to identify and apprehend the suspect’s organizational associates, facilitators, and other operatives believed to be linked to the plot.

Authorities said raids are currently being conducted at various locations to locate additional suspects and uncover any remaining terrorist infrastructure connected to the group. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials believe further arrests may follow as security agencies continue their efforts to prevent potential attacks and ensure public safety.

The arrest is being viewed as a significant counterterrorism success and highlights ongoing efforts by Pakistani security agencies to combat militant threats and prevent acts of terrorism across the country.