Security Forces Foil Major Terror Plot in Karachi, Seize Over Four Tons of Explosives

Photo File (X/@Mohsin_o2)

Pakistan’s security agencies have foiled a major terrorist plot in Karachi, recovering more than four tons of explosive material during a raid in the Baldia Rais Goth area, officials confirmed during a high-level press conference.

Addressing the media, Additional Inspector General CTD Zulfiqar Lark and DIG CTD Captain (retd) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said the operation was the result of several days and nights of intelligence-led efforts. One terrorist was initially arrested, and further interrogation led to another breakthrough, resulting in the arrest of two more suspects late last night.

The arrested suspects were identified as Jalil Ahmed alias Fareed, son of Muhammad Noor; Niaz Qadir alias King, son of Qadir Bakhsh; and Hamdan alias Fareed, son of Muhammad Ali. Officials said continuous surveillance and heightened vigilance helped expose the terror network before it could carry out attacks.

Authorities revealed that the recovered explosives were safely neutralized in the Hub area outside Karachi. More than 2,000 kilograms of explosive material was seized, preventing what officials described as a potential mass-casualty attack. Investigations indicate that the terrorists were planning to target civilian locations across Karachi.

According to CTD officials, the suspects had rented a house located 35 to 40 kilometers outside Karachi. Intelligence agencies monitored the site using both human and technical surveillance while keeping the operation strictly confidential to avoid public panic. Special precautions were taken to assess possible booby traps and other operational hazards.

During the raid, security personnel recovered explosive material stored in more than 30 plastic drums along with five metal gas cylinders. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosives were transported from Afghanistan into Balochistan and then moved to Karachi.

Officials further claimed evidence links the terror network to handlers operating from neighboring countries. They alleged that Indian-backed proxy groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), were behind the plot, using safe havens in Afghanistan.

Security agencies said links were also found connecting the network to Bashir Zeb, the Majid Brigade, and what they described as Fitna-e-Hindustan elements. The use of urea-based explosive material was highlighted, with officials emphasizing that dismantling the explosives supply chain remains a top priority.

Authorities noted that local facilitators often assist terrorist groups in exchange for minor financial gains and that residential properties are frequently used for hiding and preparing explosive material. Officials stressed the need for stricter monitoring of rental properties and tougher enforcement of laws governing the illegal use of urea and other chemicals.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism completely, stating that all individuals involved in the plot are being pursued and that further details will be shared as investigations progress.