Rangers, CTD kill wanted terrorist in Karachi

A wanted militant linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation by the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi, officials said on Sunday.

The operation was conducted in the Gulbai area of Sher Shah after law enforcement agencies received intelligence about the presence of a suspected militant. An exchange of fire took place during the raid, resulting in the death of the wanted terrorist.

The Rangers identified the deceased as Qari Ziaur Rehman, also known as Qari Saifullah, a resident of Bajaur district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from his possession following the operation.

According to security officials, Rehman had been wanted for his alleged involvement in several terrorist attacks targeting Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps camps, as well as other militant activities.

Officials said he joined the group of militant commander Qari Darvesh, also known as Bandiwan, in 2006. He subsequently received militant training at a camp in Bajaur and reportedly performed security duties at the hideouts of TTP commander Moulvi Faqir Mohammad between 2006 and 2008.

Rehman was allegedly involved in an attack on a Pakistan Army camp in Bajaur in 2007 and was accused of participating in several other attacks.

He reportedly escaped to Afghanistan during a military operation in 2012. While there, he allegedly received further training at a militant camp in Bandhar Dara, Nangarhar, before becoming involved in attacks on Pakistani security posts along the Afghan border.

Security officials said Rehman had recently returned from Afghanistan and relocated to Karachi. He was allegedly attempting to establish a militant network in the city and planning attacks against sensitive installations and locations.

The operation comes as security agencies continue intelligence-based actions against militant networks operating in Sindh.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly recently approved a one-year extension of Rangers’ deployment and policing powers in the province. Under the resolution, the deployment has been extended from July 20, 2026, until July 19, 2027, to support the provincial administration under Article 147 of the Constitution.

The provincial legislature cited the prevailing law and order situation as the reason for extending the Rangers’ mandate. It noted the force’s role in intelligence-led operations conducted alongside police and efforts against organised crime and militant groups.

Security concerns remain particularly significant in Karachi following several attacks targeting law enforcement personnel.

In June, militants attempted to enter a Rangers camp in the city after explosives were detonated at its main gate. Security personnel repelled the assault, killing three attackers and apprehending another in an injured condition.